The Special Operations Association Riders was founded in 2009 by SOA Members Doyle Creed and Larry Trimble under the authority of the SOA Board of Directors to promote camaraderie and honor the MIA/KIA from all Special Operations Units, MACVSOG and elements in direct support of that operation.
We gather annually, in different parts of the country, in a formal ceremony of remembrance, to honor our Brothers who remain missing.
Membership is free; however, you must be a member in good standing with the Special Operations Association.
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Visit our Facebook page, Special Operations Association Riders, for further information, photos and schedule.
SOA Riders 2026 Ride
On June 9, 2026, the SOA Riders met for the 16th year (inaugural ride was in 2010; 2020 & 2022 were cancelled due to COVID). Our mission continues to remain the same: raise funds for the SOA Bright Light Fund and remember the 131 Vietnam SOG and support personnel still unaccounted for.
Our host this year was member John Welgos that took our normally 3 1/2 day ride to 4 1/2 days and what memorable days those were. We were headquartered in the Crown Plaza Edison in Edison, NJ. Those members and their significant others (total 22) included Marcus & Pam Whitt, Mike & Carol McGowan, Tom & Sherry Collier, Mel Wick, Stacy Buscetto & Ken Sandoe , Linn Wiebalck, Terry & Liz Curry, Swede Ashton, George Skillen, Ron & Donna Owens, Bob Strange & Nancy Blair, Nip Piers, John & Karen Welgos and Tom Cunningham.
Most members arrived at the Crown Plaza on June 9. That evening, our Host John Welgos had arranged for a presentation by the Edison Police Department’s SWAT Team of which John had been a member of. They also brought numerous pieces of equipment which was on display.
On June 10 the Riders, escorted by the Edison Police Department, headed to a day of range shooting, 4 wheeling and visiting with members of SFA Chapter 19. They also provided breakfast and lunch.
On June 11, the group headed to where Washington crossed the Delaware and the Princeton Battle Ground. John Welgos had arranged for Park Rangers to provide us with the history of each of these places along with the loading and firing of a Revolutionary War Musket.
On June 12 the group split up with some going to West Point Museum and some touring the NJ 9/11 Monument and then taking a boat ride by the Statue of Liberty. The evening ended with our SOA Rider Silent Auction and Raffle. The group raised almost $2,800 for the Bright Light Fund. John Welgos was awarded the James “Woody” Woodbury Host Award for his outstanding contribution to the Riders for this year’s ride. Next years Ride with be hosted by Mel Wick in the Fort Bragg, NC area.
On June 13, the Riders held their ceremony to recognize the 131 SOG men and support men that are still unaccounted for. The ceremony was held at the NJ Vietnam Memorial and Museum outdoor pavilion. John had arranged for a bag piper to play Amazing Grace and a bugler to play TAPS. It was a very moving ceremony, as always.
On June 14, several of the Riders were able to go into New York City and visit the 9/11 Museum and the Horse Soldier Memorial. Bob Strange, Marcus Whitt, Linn Wiebalck and Terry Curry toasted the men that were representative of the Horse Soldier Memorial.
On a light note, there were a number of Chinese in our hotel. They had come to the area to attend the World Cup Soccer Match. These three Chinese were fascinated with my Harley Trike and Tom Cunningham’s Can Am motorcycle.
