SYRACUSE - For most, showing support for the military is something all acknowledge, but find few chances to actively be involved with.
For Ken Mounsey, Syracuse, supporting the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, along with their families, is not just something he regards as a patriotic duty, but is instead a passion.Mounsey is the organizer of Operation Support Troops, which is sponsoring its annual Freedom Ride April 28. This is the fifth year for the event, which also will feature a concert by The Kentucky Head Hunters, local bands, a bike show and various vendors.
Mounsey's impetus to get involved with such an annual endeavor is to honor the memory of his brother, Warrant Officer Eric Scott Mounsey, who was killed during the first Gulf War.
As Mounsey tells it, it was a very brief phone call from his brother that changed his perspective.
"April 14, 1994, that was my birthday," he said. "My brother called to wish me happy birthday. I was quite busy that day, and when the phone rang, I was going to ignore it. For some reason, I picked it up and it happened to by my brother. He called to wish me happy birthday, but I was so busy with my own world that I brushed him off. I hung up the phone, and five minutes later my brother was shot down and killed. Right then and there, I realized where my freedom comes from. It's not free - it cost the life of a soldier. I knew I had to do something.
"When I went to his funeral, I made a promise that there will never be another soldier wondering if there's support back home."
Eric Scott Mounsey was 27 years old when he was killed in northern Iraq in action during an operation close to the Turkish border.
Ken Mounsey is originally from Los Angeles, Calif., and moved to Syracuse in 1989, then back to California for a short time. He came back because Syracuse feels more like home to him than anywhere else.
Through the years, he felt he had to do something to honor his brother. It was with encouragement from his family and friends that the first Freedom Ride was realized. He credits Cris Moore of Freedom Cycle, as well as the owners and staff of Hammers, R.C., Duffy's, and Louie's Bar and Grill for supporting the event through the years.
The event is always held in April, and Mounsey has usually tried to plan the ride for the 14th of the month to commemorate the date of his brother's death. This year, that date wasn't feasible because of other scheduled events.
The Freedom Ride itself has in the past years started at Louie's Bar and Grill in Syracuse. It winds its way through Kosciusko County and has in the past concluded at the VFW in Goshen or somewhere in Elkhart. This year, Mounsey made a few changes to the route. The Ride will still start at Louie's in Syracuse, then follow a route to North Webster, Pierceton, Warsaw, Milford, New Paris, Ligonier, Cromwell and finally make its way back to Syracuse. Registration starts at 10 a.m. at Louie's, with the ride beginning at 1 p.m. and lasting roughly two hours.
Between 1 and 6 p.m., local bands will perform. The Kentucky Head Hunters take the stage from 6 to 8 p.m. The concert location is across from Hammers, next to the Family Dollar store.
"The very first year, we had cars, trucks, kids painted up - you name it, we had it," Mounsey said. "The first year was a great year. Last year, we had over 3,000 people participating throughout the day. We're expecting to exceed that number.
"It's not just for motorcycles. The Chevy Club is taking part. I'll welcome a train, a plane, an automobile - doesn't matter. Bring a horse if you want to. This is for everyone who is patriotic and wants to stand up for our soldiers. This is for everyone who want to recognize what the veterans have given us."
Mounsey also is dedicating the ride year to the memory of Ashley Miller and her family. Also, any profits realized from the event will be donated to the Scouts in Kosciusko County.
"This is the first time I've picked a group to donate to," said Mounsey. "It's because I believe we need to spend more time thinking about our future leaders, our children. The donations are to all Scouts - Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, all scouting. It all goes to them. This ride is going to try and provide what we can for them."
While there is no way to predict the turnout for the event, Mounsey is dedicated to seeing the Freedom Ride continue as an annual happening. He states it will always be in April, and will always begin in Syracuse. He also has made attempts to obtain a Blackhawk helicopter to be part of the day's events. He feels that this would honor not only his brother but all veterans, but his requests have been denied. He is still seeking any information or assistance he can get in this effort.
"My brother's been dead for a while now," he said. "I've tried to get a helicopter to honor my brother. We've had nine helicopters shot down in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I'm asking the public for help in obtain a helicopter for this event.
"All in all, though, I couldn't ask for a better community. Syracuse is a wonderful, wonderful community. From the law enforcement, to the town manager, and the business owners, they're all incredible. Thank God for everyone and the community of Syracuse and Kosciusko County. They're very patriotic and without them, I couldn't do what I do."
For more information, call Ken Mounsey at 574-333-5595.
