Veterans and Bikers Unite In Annual Toys For Tots Ride
Over the past twenty years, Toys for Tots has become a household name as a charity organization centered on the Christmas season which provides toys for underprivileged children throughout the nation. What most people do not know, however, is this organization, founded in 1947, has a military background and basis. After World War II, the United States Marine Corps started private funding to begin the project, which is stronger than ever in the current day. On November 3rd, with the help of some local volunteers, Toys For Tots carried out its annual bike ride to raise money for its cause. Bikers and Veterans alike united together by donating money and toys and participating in the trip which spans from the Sevier county fairgrounds to Knoxville. Other festivities included music by band Poizon Whiskey, a LifeStar helicopter placed on display for all attendees, and to further the awe of the largest turn out to date, five skydivers soared into the grounds shortly before the journey began.
This year’s ride featured a couple of honorary members, Frank Lowe and Joe Thomas. Lowe, originally from Sevier County, is a ninety-three year old World War II veteran whose story brings the most striking interest. Lowe was a medical corpsman in the United States Navy during the beginning of the war. Prior to the war, the Marines were in low supply of doctors and medical assistants, and due to the catastrophic circumstances, their supply was proving to be detrimental. The government began recruiting physicians and medical assistants from the Navy, and Frank stepped up to the plate. Lowe arrived in Guadalcanal on one of the first military vessels to address conflict with the Japanese. He stated that his duties entailed assisting doctors in treating the wounded and providing care where he could. Lowe was honored at the ceremony by being escorted on the first bike leading the ride. Lowe is currently a member of Tennessee Smokey Mountain Marine Corps League Detachment 1206 and a lifetime member of the American Legion post 104.
Joe Thomas co-founded the first ride in Sevierville in 1992. In 1992, motorcycles had many negative associations and Thomas made it his role to help clean up that reputation. The ride in 1992 only consisted of ten to fifteen participants and involved a ride from a general store in Sevierville to Children’s Hospital in Knoxville. Here, the bikers provided toys for the children which they had paid for out of their own pockets. It is obvious to see their efforts paid off with the event now pushing eight hundred riders. Over the years, and with gaining participants, the ride became sponsored by Toys for Tots, which is backed by Tennessee Smokey Mountain Marine Corps League Detachment 1206, which helps the event grow larger each year. The organization, charted in May of 2005, changed its name after growing to include five new counties. It includes former and active military personnel who franchised the non-profit charity organization in our area which now includes Jefferson County, Hamblen County, Sevier County, Cocke County, Campbell County, and Grainger County.
Henry Matteson, an officer of the Tennessee Smokey Mountain Marine Corps League Detachment 1206, urges other veterans and military personnel to join their cause. The League will host many more events moving into next year. Contact may be made via the Jefferson County Post at editor@jeffersoncountypost.com or 865-566-8656 and messages will be forwarded to him.
