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SENEY SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION
Working together to ensure the best ride possible!
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Largest Snowmobile Veterans Ride in US Huge Success
Our Veterans Ride continues to grow each year. With 191 participants this year,
we continue to boast that we have the largest organized Veterans snowmobile ride
in the US. Operation Camaraderie was exactly that. We had a variety of riders
ranging from the very experienced to the novice; some were veterans and others
here to share a day with a vet. After a brief recognition ceremony, we broke up
into 6 guided groups of different riding abilities. Our local guides took them
thru the majestic back country trails that were specially prepared for riding for
this event covering 80 to 120 miles. Views of the Fox River and riding thru the
Danaher Plains were just a couple of scenic sites on the ride. A hot lunch was
served at the Eagles Nest cabin located at the head waters of the Tahquamenon River.
A pig roast and bonfire at the groomer barn was the perfect social setting to
round off the event. It was a day of fun, mingling, respect, war stories, and
thanks to all veterans for their contribution to the freedom we value so highly
and continue to fight for.
I spent many hours at grave sites on the honor guard in the Air Force remembering
those who have served. That is really how our event came about. When Don and I
retired, we wanted to do something to give people a chance to thank and honor vets
in a positive environment. The first year we tried this in 2005, with only a few
weeks of advertising, we had a tremendous response. SSA came on board and with a
few friends we started a tradition. Each year as it continues to grow; it takes
more volunteers to run a smooth event. We had 31 volunteers and multiple sponsors
this year contributing to the success of the event. A special Hoora goes out to them.
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Sponsors:
Fox River Motel Seney, MI
Eagles nest
(Dick & Nancy Geerling
Jim & Cindy Caywood) Zeeland, MI 49464
Lagasco Propane Germfask, MI
Buist Electric, Inc. Byron Center, MI
Walmart Marquette, MI
Joe Goniwiecha New Baltimore, MI
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Ron Simons Saginaw, MI
Legion Post 323 Pickford, MI
GFS Grand Rapids, MI
VFW Post 6030 McMillan, MI
Clyde Shoemaker (in memory of)
The Shack, Seney, MI
William Bradfield Cadillac area
Carflags.com
Michigan Snowmobile Association
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Advertising: A special thanks goes out to Video Mike and Michigan Snowmobiler Magazine for participating and covering the event.
Volunteers:
Diz & Shelia Disbrow, Bell Family, Vermeersch Family, Chris Ortwein,
Stu Vandenburg, Mary & Frank Withey, Tommy & Jason Adgate, Jason Busse,
Dave and Brendon Pizzala, , Josh Holcomb, Mark Schooley, Chad Bean,
Charles McGathy, Herm Tester, Jason & Sue Benzinger, Trevor, Jason Gorfegner,
Dean Dobbs, Eric Reed, Ashley Herbert, and Dan & Megan Barhorst, Ray Williams,
Bill Gibson, Greg Hulbert and Nick .
Please forgive me if I have overlooked your name. Believe me when I say your time was appreciated.
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Dedication: Our Son Eric brought his friend Dan Barhorst, whom he had served with in Iraq, and Dan's wife Megan up with him to participate in our annual veteran's snowmobile ride. I am so glad we had the opportunity to meet him and share the beautiful friendship he had with our son. The day before the ride, after set up was complete; the volunteers took off for an afternoon ride. Dan and Megan were riding on a 2 up sled and were involved in an accident. No one can explain the circumstances; neither speed nor alcohol was a factor. They hit a tree. Megan was flung from the sled and Dan took the full impact to his chest: he died on impact. We only new Dan for a short time; it was truly our honor.
The flag was flown at half mass at our veteran's dedication memorial in honor of Dan: the 5th Annual Veteran's Ride which was dedicated in his honor
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The Seney Snowmobile Association is a nonprofit organization.
Our grooming operation is funded by your trail sticker money and fund raising. So if you enjoyed
the ride, thank an operator when you see them and participate in at least one
of the many fund raising opportunities we have available this year.
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Seney Snowmobile Association
P.O. Box 102
Seney, MI. 49883
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