A Promise Fulfilled
Though Roger never returned to fulfill that shared dream, Billy Haynes made sure that Roger's spirit would still ride the highways of America. The memorial motorcycle stands as a testament to their friendship, Roger's sacrifice, and the lives of 58,220 men and women of the United States Armed Forces lost in Vietnam. It honors those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and the 850,000 Vietnam-era Veterans who are still alive today.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
SP4 Roger E. Ward was one of eleven brave men killed in action on April 5, 1968, while Alpha and Bravo Companies from the 4th Brigade 47th Infantry Battalion were operating in the Truc Giang District of Kien Hoa Province, a traditional haven for the Viet Cong.
The men who died alongside Roger were:
Alpha Company
SSG Ernest A. Lang, Jacksonville, FL
SGT Cecil R. Hobbs, Wyandotte, MI
SGT Bruce Tortorici, Van Nuys, CA
CPL Norman E. Small, Alden, KS
CPL Carl E. Hosnander, Holden, MA
PFC Douglas D. McMahon, Sherman Oaks, CA
Bravo Company
SSG Fred Young, Greensboro, NC
SGT Vance A. Berry, Amarillo, TX
PFC John R. Pierini, East Ely, NV
PFC Douglas G. Bailey, Rutherfordton, NC
Roger E. Ward’s Story
Roger Elgin Ward and Billy Haynes were more than just friends—they were best friends, living the innocence and adventures of youth growing up in Spring Lake, Michigan. Their plans for the future included finishing school, buying motorcycles, and traveling.
Getting drafted into the Army put a hold on their plans, but they figured they could save money while in service, and when they returned home, they would finally purchase those motorcycles and hit the open road.
Their plans were cut short on April 5, 1968, when SP4 Roger E. Ward, just 21 years old, lost his life in Kien Hoa, South Vietnam.
It Takes a Village
This memorial project would not have been possible without the generous contributions of many dedicated individuals. We extend our heartfelt thanks to:
-
Wesley F. Spyke - For innovative ideas and spiritual support
-
Rick Phillips - For assistance when one pair of hands wasn't enough
-
Adam Schumaker - For skilled embroidery and upholstery work
-
Bob Neiboer - For expert lathe work
-
Dennis and Michelle Lucas - For donating Vietnam-era Military items
-
Jack Van Weelden - For the donation of Vietnam jungle fatigues
-
Diane Dood-Van Weelden - For sewing and alteration skills
And to all those who have supported this project through donations, attendance at events, and spreading the word about our mission—thank you for helping us honor the memory of Roger E. Ward and all those who didn't make it home.