Fallen hero’s dedication honored with ride

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Angela Jones
  • 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Webster's Dictionary defines dedication as "Devoting or setting aside for a particular purpose." The 56th LRS POL Flight defines dedication with a picture of Master Sgt. Randy Gillespie who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country.

In honor of his devotion to the country, and to the men and women of the U.S. Air Force, the 2nd Annual Master Sgt. Randy Gillespie Memorial Poker Run will be held May 4 to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Gillespie was a dedicated family man who loved his children, car engines, making a difference and helping others. Well into what could have been his retirement years, Gillespie volunteered to take one final deployment. During his deployment to Herat, Afghanistan, his unit was overtaken by small-arms fire and he suffered fatal injuries July 9, 2007.

At the time, he was assigned to the 56th LRS POL Flight, and serving on his 16th deployment. During his career, Gillespie deployed in support of operations Southern Watch, Provide Comfort, Bright Star, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The Memorial Poker Run is a five-stop, timed-ride throughout the West Valley. All vehicles and motorcycles are welcome to participate. The ride will begin between 7 and 9 a.m. at Jimbo's Bar & Grill in Glendale and end at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson in Peoria. Arrowhead Harley-Davidson will provide registered guests with free a hotdog or hamburger, live music and a bike wash by the Harley-Davidson Girls. The first to preregister online at http://terracoreit.com/donation will receive a free event pin.

All proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project as requested by the Gillespie family. For more information on how to honor Gillespie or help with the Gillespie Memorial Poker Run, call Staff Sgt. Scottie Thomas at (623) 856-9240.