Had Robert Rockwell known it was going to take more than 10 minutes for an estimated 1,800 bikes to leave Wicker Memorial Park’s southeast gate, he’d have crossed the line once the engines roared.
The U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer from Griffith did find his opportunity to jet — he’d parked over in the Highland Walgreens parking lot to avoid traffic and get his kids to their respective soccer games — but not before marveling at all the bikers who came to ride in the 26th annual Victory for Veterans Motorcycle Ride starting at Wicker Memorial Park in Highland Sunday morning. It was his first time seeing it in action, and he loved it.
“This is incredible,” Rockwell said.
The event’s keynoter, Rockwell, who recently returned from a deployment in the Middle East, said getting back into the swing of things has been a bit of a challenge. He credited his wife, Amber, with keeping things under control in the 11 months he was gone.
His days now are spent trying to pick up where he left off without messing up her flow.
“She has everything running like a well-oiled machine, and I’m just trying to fit in now without too much interfering,” he said. “That’s why I have to get these games.”
A stand-in stuffed animal, representing service dog “Mutt” sits on the back of Iraq War Veteran Jarrett Hunt’s motorcycle before the annual Victory for Veterans ride on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. “Mutt”, Hunt’s service dog, died in August after a long illness. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)
During his keynote, he reflected upon how the United States is “the greatest country in the world.” When he was overseas, he couldn’t help but think of his family, especially his young children.
“I could only think of how lucky I am and how appreciative I am to be an American,” Rockwell said. “There is only a one-in-40 chance that we are blessed to be born in this country, but I say all that to say this: Freedom is not free. It takes sacrifice, it takes commitment, and it takes a united front.
“Looking over the crowd here today, I see Americans united. I see patriotism, and I see camaraderie. It’s inspiring, and it gives me confidence: confidence that the future remains steadfast behind our volunteer forces; confident that we have the foundation to succeed another 250 years and beyond.”
North Township Trustee Adrian A. Santos agreed.
Chief Warrant Officer Rocky Rockwell speaks before the annual Victory for Veterans motorcycle ride on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)
“As always, today’s event isn’t about the ‘D’ or ‘R’ we wear on our sleeves. It’s about the men and women who’re currently serving, who have served, and who’re no longer with us,” Santos said. That’s what this event’s about.”
Event organizer Kelly Bridges presented on behalf of the Wicker Park Memorial Foundation a check worth $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana. The money will go toward a veteran-built home in Lake Station’s Riverwalk neighborhood, said Executive Director Dawn Michaels.
Students with “Violin by Heidi” perform the Armed Forces Medley before the annual Victory for Veterans motorcycle ride on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)
“We try to do at least one veteran build a year, but now we’re trying for two or three,” she said.
Guido Falaschetti, of Mokena, Illinois, was just happy to be at the event.
Members of the Hammond Central High School JROTC post the colors before the annual Victory for Veterans motorcycle ride on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)
“I make wooden American flags, and I love veterans. It’s just so cool to see how patriotic everyone is,” he said.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.