Rolling Thunder began in 1988 as a motorcycle ride to bring attention to reports of unaccounted for POWs and MIAs from the Vietnam War and to help generate political action for their return. The founding members chose Memorial Day weekend as an appropriate time for the event, and it was so named because they imagined the sound of the motorcycles crossing the Memorial Bridge would sound like “Rolling Thunder.”
The first run consisted of about 2500 motorcycles. Since then, the number of participants has grown every year. Now with a reported million riders and spectators combined, Rolling Thunder has evolved into a demonstration of patriotism and a gesture to honor those who serve in the U.S. military.
Mike Stramaglio
For Mike Stramaglio, President and CEO, MWAi, participating in the Rolling Thunder Run was an easy decision. He had been an avid rider for years, and as a veteran of the U.S. Navy, he understood the sacrifices made by the young men and women of the armed services. He made his first run three years ago, but it was a conversation with a business associate that changed everything.
Stramaglio recalls the business meeting that took place nearly nine months ago with Bill McLaughlin, CTO of Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office. At one point, he says, McLaughlin told him about his role on the board at The Jillian Fund.
Jillian Lauren Gorman was 16 when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of blood cancer. She and her family endured three and half years of grueling treatments that included multiple rounds of chemotherapy, three bone marrow transplants, one kidney transplant, two full years of dialysis and lengthy hospital stays. Despite three hopeful periods of remission, Jillian lost her valiant battle with the disease on March 3, 2013.
The Jillian fund was started by Jillian’s father, George, to ensure families were able to focus on caring for their children who face serious illnesses. It provides financial support for household expenses, childcare expenses, lodging, transportation and meals.
“I worked with Jillian’s father many, many years ago and was acutely aware of his struggles and loss,” says Stramaglio. “At that moment, I knew that I could do something to help.”
For Stramaglio, the struggle is also a deeply personal one. His wife was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) at the age of 32.
“At that time, we had two small children under the age of five,” he says. “Her battle was long and very scary but through the power of prayer and medicine, Maureen survived. Most are not as lucky as us.”
Stamaglio decided to organize a fund raiser in which he could leverage Rolling Thunder to help support the Jillian Fund. He set an aggressive goal of $100,000, but says that he is optimistic that the goal will be reached. To further assist the effort, Clover Imaging Group donated a 2011 customized Harley-Davidson Fat Bob motorcycle that will be raffled off on Saturday, May 28 in Washington D.C. Tickets for the raffle cost $100 and there is no limit on the purchase amount.
Sponsors so far include EFI, Panasonic, GreatAmerica, Datamax, DPOE, Ricoh, Sharp and Cobb Technologies. Donations continue to come in.
Stramaglio will be riding his 2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide and joining him from his starting point in Scottsdale, Arizona will be Gavin Williams, Chief Solutions Office, MWA Intelligence, Inc., John Brostrom, Chief Operations Office, MWA Intelligence, Inc., and Andy Slawetsky, President, Industry Analysts, Inc.
It’s a long journey and they will make stops along the way to visit industry friends (see destination itinerary below). Other riders will join the call at different destinations, including Mike Christenson and David Clearman from Muratec and Chip Miceli from DPOE.
Stramaglio says he is proud of all the support he has received so far from clients, family, partners, friends and the industry at large.
“At 65 years old, making a cross country trip on a Harley is no small feat and knowing I have an angel with me and the support of this great industry makes it so much easier,” he says. “Thank you again to all of the donors, and good luck on the raffle!”
Everybody is welcome to join. To learn more about the ride and to donate, please visit: www.ride.mwaintel.com
Mike’s Itinerary
• May 20 – depart MWAi
• May 23 am – Muratec
• May 23 pm – Datamax
• May 24 – Memphis Communications
• May 25 – Milner
• May 26 – Advanced Office Systems
• May 27 am – Cobb Technologies
• May 27 pm – Stones Office Equipment
• May 31 – Perry proTECH
• June 1 – DPOE
