Gold Star Father shares about his veteran son while taking the last Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride
Now although this was the final Smoky Mountain Thunder Ride, the tradition is not over quite yet. Vernon Gooden is now taking over for a new era, calling it the 'Smoky Mountain Memorial Ride' moving forward. Gold Star Father Gary Swanson has been a part of the Smoky Mountain Thunder Ride for 17 years.
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Swanson talked about his son, Christopher, who died while serving in the military: 'His Bradley was hit by an IED, and he had staples in his leg. He could have chosen to take an R and R ten days before he was killed, but he wanted to be there for his guys, and because of that, he paid the ultimate sacrifice by a sniper in Ramadi, Iraq.'
The ride spans five counties and covers 65 miles, escorted by police, before ending at Veterans Overlook with a wreath laying ceremony. For Swanson and many others this was their last time making the journey as a part of the original ride.
'1.3 million people have given their life in the service of our country since we have been formed, and it's a blessing and what Ron and Sandy have accomplished. I couldn't be more proud of them, they're like family. It's going to be bittersweet, but I know there'll be something that continues on because we as a country, East Tennessee, the state of Tennessee, they're not going to forget about the ones who gave it all for our freedom,' added Swanson.
Now with Ron Giddis stepping aside, the torch is being passed to Army Veteran Gooden, who says he's ready to take on the role of organizing a similar ride for years to come, carrying on a legacy and honoring those who gave their lives for our country.
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'It's good to go out and have a picnic and enjoy the lake and the car sales, but at the end of the day, it's those 1.3 million people I talked about earlier with you that have gave up their todays so we could have our tomorrows,' Swanson said.
As of right now, Gooden doesn't have specific details about the new ride, but information is planned to be shared very soon through social media.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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