About Us

Rolling Thunder^® Chapter 2 Florida is a chartered chapter of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. We are located in Southwest Florida.

Our membership is comprised of veteran and non-veteran men and women from all wars and peace-time.  Although many of our members ride motorcycles, we are not a motorcycle club and a person does not have to own or ride a motorcycle to be a member. Members just need to have the time and willingness to be an advocate for our troops, veterans, and POW/MIA’s. 

Our Chapter holds a monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month. These meetings are held according to the constitution and by-laws of National Rolling Thunder.

Chapter 2 raises money through different venues to fund and support the Rolling Thunder mission.  

A History of Chapter 2
by Dave Motz

It all started in 1995 when my son, J. Paul, and I attended our first National Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Program - Rolling Thunder VIII Ride for Freedom. We were overwhelmed with the mission, support and camaraderie. Soon after, Ken Gormley, Bill Pucin,  and myself contacted Artie Muller, National Executive Director, and began the process of chapter development and charter award.

Bill Pucin, Hannon Bohannon, Curley Vero, Ken Gormley, Suzan Pucin, Pappy Cooey, and myself filled the first elected positions of office with my serving as President. Our monthly meetings were held at the American Legion Post 38 and we began our "Breakfast @ the Legion" -- in order to support the Post who gave us a home and a meeting room without financial obligation. Breakfast provided a means of revenue for the Chapter (tips), fellowship, purpose and recognition.

Next, our first budget was developed which included sending two delegates to the National Convention, funding for "Never Forgotten" and "Ride for Veterans" which were a smashing success. Adrian Cronauer was invited to participate in our first ride and the Chapter voted to make him an honorary member.

We developed a chapter patch which signified "2" Florida as well as recognized the POW / MIA issue. A monthly newsletter, The Deuce, was created publishing events, news, and individual stories. It was an instant hit!

We were involved in voluntary work at the VA Outpatient Clinic serving coffee and fellowship to patients on a biweekly basis, and 2-4 of us, under Kaye Caple's direction, would show up and work 4+ hours each Wednesday! We also spent a lot of energy distributing POW / MIA flags to schools, organizations, and community government offices. During the first year, Chapter 2 created our first chapter "T" shirt which everyone wore with pride, dignity and honor.

Our first year was an exciting time for our membership, our board, its' elected officers, and the community at large. We exceeded our dreams and expectations and fulfilled our individual wishes and goals. Along the way, we managed to accomplish the mission statement which we all took an oath to support and promote.