On Sunday August 17, 2008, Craig Winkleman and Deb Waldron will be holding the 4th Annual “Sgt. Michael Marzano Benefit Poker Run”.

My cousin, Sgt. Michael Marzano, was K.I.A. on May 7, 2005 in Haditha, Iraq while serving in the Brookpark-based 3/25 Marine Corp. 

Soon after this, memories of Michael and I riding motorcycles together caused me to start what has slowly grown into a great group of motorcycle enthusiasts raising money to DIRECTLY affect and help our troops. Last year’s run was plagued with rain, but we still had approximately 40-50 bikes. One of the bikers that rode in horrible conditions last year stood out in my mind when planning for this year’s run. This biker and Marine was named Joe Lorek, part of the “Mentor 7”. That is when I found out about The Ghost Rider Foundation, www.ghostriderfoundation.org  which was started in his memory by Katie and Tim DeWolf. I am proud to be working with this great organization and look forward to raising money to help our troops.

The Marine Corp. Color Guard will be there to open the day’s events at Western Reserve Harley Davidson in Mentor, OH.. After a beautiful ride through Lake, Geauga,  and Ashtabula counties, we will end the event at Sportsterz Bar & Grille in Geneva-on-the-Lake. All members of the military (active & retired) and their families are especially welcomed. Thank you for your attention to this special fund raiser.

 All donations are Tax deductible.