With large American flags flowing on the backs of their motorcycles, members of Rolling Thunder, Chapter 8, Whitehall, rolled into Whitehall Manor, led by a Whitehall police vehicle escort. They were there to pay tribute to the veterans residing at Whitehall Manor, an assisted seniors living care facility.

The dramatic entrance Sept. 28 by 35 veterans on motorcycles, some also in law enforcement vehicles, included vehicles carrying Gold Star mothers. The procession drove onto the Fullerton facility as a huge American flag billowed overhead on a Whitehall Township fire ladder truck.

Following a salute to Whitehall Manor's veterans assembled at the portico outside the building and greetings to the residents, Rolling Thunder's Chapter 8 President Daniel W. Sheats led the attendees with the Pledge of Allegiance.

At the program in the Florida Room, residents received a patriotic themed bag with presents, and 32 Whitehall Manor residents were recognized.

Keeping with a Rolling Thunder mission to pay tribute to POW/MIA veterans and pledging to not leave any veteran behind, Sheats commended Louis Caciolo, a Whitehall Manor resident and Korean War POW. Caciolo, 82, was also on a Navy ship, assisting with returning other POWs and wounded military personnel back to the U.S.

Sheats and Rolling Thunder members paid visits to seniors at the facility, including 92-year-old Purple Heart recipient Alfred Tullock who was overjoyed by the Rolling Thunders visit and recognition. Tullock died four days later.