Veterans, bikers roll into Ignacio
Monday - September 12, 2022 by Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Southern Ute Vietnam combat veterans, Ronnie C. Baker and Howard D. Richards, Sr. share a laugh together during a welcome speech for the 10th anniversary Durango Colorado Veterans Poker Run, which graced Ignacio on Friday, Sept. 2. Bikers finished their full day ride at the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park that afternoon, where they received welcome remarks from the Tribal Council and Southern Ute Veterans Association — recognizing the sacrifices made by all veterans past and present.
Longtime friends, Shannon Brown and Linda Baker share a laugh together at the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park.
Motorcycle riders from across the region, and beyond, gather at the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park. For the 10th anniversary Durango Colorado Veterans Poker Run.
Southern Ute Vietnam combat veteran Howard D. Richards, Sr. emceed the annual Durango Colorado Veterans Poker Run event in Ignacio, welcoming riders to the Southern Ute Reservation.
Per tradition — members of the Southern Ute Veterans Assocation, Tribal Council and riders from the Durango Colorado Veterans Poker Run gather for a formal photograph in Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park to commemorate the annual ride across Southwest Colorado.
David and Josie Latham, take part in the Durango Colorado Veterans Poker Run each year.
Southern Ute Vietnam combat veteran, Rod Grove, shares his experiences as a veteran and association member with attendees during the annual poker run.
Southern Ute singers perform an Honor Song ahead of the Southern Ute Veterans welcome address — left to right, Tim Ryder, Sam Burch, John Chaverillo, Tyson Thompson, and Jake Ryder.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
The 10th anniversary Durango Colorado Veterans Poker Run returned to the Southern Ute Reservation Friday, Sept. 2, where they were welcomed by the Southern Ute Veterans Association and tribal dignitaries for the second year in a row. The reception took place in the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park and featured live music, guest speakers, and plenty of giveaways. This year’s poker run event had over 120 registered riders and raised close to $6K in funding; the majority goes to funding the Veterans Relief Committee.