Cruzin' for a Cause ride brings relief to soldiers

The Tennessee Road Riders' Cruzin' for a Cause Poker Run and rally is less than a month away and plans are falling into place, said organizer Larry Brown.

"I have finally got direct contact with our unit in Afghanistan that the Poker Run and Rally is supporting," he said.

The poker run is slated for March 27, with a rain date of April 3. The ride and rally will raise money to buy personal care items or "creature comfort" items for Charlie Company 2-22 IN, as well as collect some of those items themselves.

Brown shared an e-mail from Capt. Dan Gregory, his contact.

"Thanks for the support -- it truly means a lot to us here," Gregory wrote. "Sgt. Resendez has filled me in on what you're doing and it sounds like a great event.

Gregory said the company has 140 soldiers and just about anything but alcohol and pornography are permitted to be sent.

"As far as needs, we have needs taken care of, it's the things that make life better that are in short supply," he added. "To wit -- sheets for single size beds, DVDs (most are communal here), any kind of protein powder or creatine (well over half the company are gym rats when afforded the opportunity), beef jerky, sunflower seeds, magazines (from computer games to body building). We do have a couple PS3's and X-box's running around the company so games are always welcome, too; board games also welcome, and sundry items (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, washcloths, towels, etc)."

The Poker Run/Rally is 130 miles on the Cumberland Plateau and will start in Manchester with breakfast from McDonald's for the first 200 registered riders and passengers. Registration will begin at the Title Max across from McDonald's at 8 a.m. and the riders will head out beginning at 9:30 a.m., heading first to Monteagle and Tracy City on U.S. 41. From there, the ride will go to Altamont, McMinnville and Woodbury, ending up in Shelbyville at the Dollar General parking lot on Madison Street. After the ride, there will be a meal, live music from the Nashville band "Blissterd" and prizes for Best Poker Hand, Oldest Rider, Oldest Bike, Who came the Farthest and Worst Poker Hand will be awarded.

A $25 donation is requested for each rider and passenger, plus two personal care products per rider and passenger. Single riders are asked to give $20 for single rider plus two items.

"Again, thanks for what you're doing," wrote Gregory. "It means the world to a lot of these soldiers who are away from their families for the first time."