Just Ask

Executive Report by John Reblin

Well hopefully, you all made it through the Summer Hummer. Since I am writing this a little early, I am sure a great time was had by all. I am planning on having great conversations, meeting with new and old friends, and getting some down time to relax and enjoy life.

It seems that every day we have some bit of history going on. But today listening to the radio, I realized today was the 79^th anniversary of D Day. The push of the Allied Forces on to the beaches of Normandy to start the ground war against Germany. All the work and planning that went into this part of the war is just amazing. This action was talked about early in 1943 and some plans made, but it really intensified the beginning of 1944 till the start in June. Moving the people, equipment, food, and everything needed, whether it was expected or to handle the forgotten or unplanned is, to me, unfathomable. Coordinating both the air invasion and the sea invasion, knowing many of those going in won’t be going home, fatally killed defending freedom. More than 5,000 ships and 13,000 airplanes along with more than 9,000 allied forces killed or wounded was part of the cost. But after about 6 weeks of fighting, the Allied Forces were able to march toward Germany to defeat the Axis Forces. I could not imagine what the thoughts were of the solders fighting this war. First getting fired upon while wading through 45-degree or so water to hit the beaches, not sure if you were even going to survive the walk, the front of the ship carrying you and your buddies dropping for you take those first steps out. Trying to go to sleep not knowing if you would make it through the night or the next day. Getting what you could for food that was probably cold and tasteless but still determined to finish the job. All these brave men and women did what they needed to do and made sacrifices so that we would not be held hostage by the Nazi or Japanese Government. After 77 days the Allied Forces claimed victory, taking Normandy and next claiming Paris in August 1944.

It was not just those that were fighting that made sacrifices during WWII but also those that remained at home. They did their part growing food, rationing gas, recycling metal, and anything else that could go toward the war effort. Women got into the work force doing the jobs our brave solders did before joining the military to protect us.

It seemed like it was different back then. It seemed people did what it took to work together to solve a problem, no matter the size of the issue. It seemed they talked to people that could help them come up with good solutions to whatever the issue was. Neighbors were willing to lend a hand in hard times or share what extra bounty they had that was needed by others. 

In our organization, I think we all try to do much of the same. True, our lives are not at stake, what those did at war need to be honored. But we all feel passionate about our lifestyle, remember “Ride to Live.” And hopefully, we will all do what is needed to maintain this. When we hold events, we plan for all that we think we need, and try to have that contingency plan when things go awry. We are willing to talk to other members or even other SMRO’s to get a reasonable and effective solution to solve an issue. I mean, why reinvent the wheel when someone has probably bumped into some similar problem and came up with a solution that worked, or if it didn’t will share that outcome and why it didn’t work. 

I think if someone, a region, or the organization needs help of some sort, financial, maybe some material or a repair of something, we come together to help out. It may be for an hour or two, or it could be for the weekend redoing some project at the land.

This is what brothers and sisters do. Family helps family out and when the job is done, they don’t expect payment. I know if I have an issue or problem, I have my go to people. They have often run into a similar problem and offer solutions that worked for them. It is up to the other person to see if he has the same success. They should not respond with a poor attitude. 

Many of us forget that ABATE of Wisconsin is an old-time family. Our members are or should be willing to help us legislatively, by making those phone calls, and talking to their representatives. We are all willing to share, educate, and help others in the family in order to keep our lifestyle alive. We just need to remember to ask. 

Ride Your Own Ride,

John