Celebrating 17 Years at the Lindale Park 25th Anniversary Parade

For the Thin Blue Line LEMC, community is at the heart of everything we do. There are few events that capture that spirit quite like the annual Lindale Park Parade. This year was particularly special as the neighborhood celebrated its milestone 25th Anniversary, and we were incredibly proud to ride right alongside them for this historic event.

When the engines roared to life on the morning of Saturday, September 5th, it marked our 17th year participating in this beloved Houston tradition. Since 2009, our chapter has had the honor of rolling down Irvington Boulevard, flanked by cheering families, waving flags, and the unmistakable energy of a community that knows how to come together. We’ve watched kids grow up along the parade route, and year after year, the smiles and support we receive from the Lindale Park residents remind us exactly why we ride.

The theme for this year’s silver anniversary was “Still Rolling After 25 Years!”—a motto that resonates deeply with our club. Whether we are supporting our law enforcement family, raising awareness for charitable causes, or showing up to celebrate our local neighborhoods, the Thin Blue Line LEMC is built on enduring commitment. Seventeen years of riding in this parade is a testament to the bond we share with this incredible community.

As we rolled down Irvington Boulevard this past Saturday, the turnout was spectacular. We want to thank everyone who brought their families, grabbed a great spot along the route, and helped celebrate a quarter-century of community tradition. Seeing your waves and hearing your cheers over the rumble of the pipes was an absolute honor. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.

Until next time, Lindale Park!

Obituary for Richard (Rico) Castilleja Garcia

A visitation for Richard will be held Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 10, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, 11507 Huffmeister Rd, Houston, TX 77065. A committal service will occur Friday, January 10, 2025 from 1:45 PM to 2:15 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.

Wheelchair Ramp for Gemini

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who showed up today to help out with the wheelchair ramp for Gemini. Thank you to Airborne, Cappo and everyone else from other chapters who showed up for moral support. I also want to give big thanks to ATO Beignet who showed up with drinks and snacks. All of y’all rock and this is what makes me proud to be part of this club.

Daryl “Hippie” Thompson in support of the Thin Blue Line Foundation

The 2024 Hoka Hey Motorcycle ChallengeTM will be represented by Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, North Shore Louisana Chapter President, Daryl “Hippie” Thompson. Daryl has chosen the Thin Blue Line Foundation as his charity of choice.  

Thin Blue Line Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 2012.  The Foundation’s vision and goals are “building partnerships between communities, business leaders, law enforcement agencies and military warriors through volunteering, civic suppport and promoting public safety”.  The Foundation lends special interest in providing financial and moral suppport to the families and communities of America’s First Responders and Military Warriors who have been seriously injured or loss of life protecting the communities they serve.  The Foundation also provides support for abused and neglected children by providing funds for school supplies, clothing, and hosting special seasonal events.  Funds are generated by numerous fundraising events, and the generosity of various donations.  The Foundation conducts several annual law enforcment and community mototrcycle rides, cook-offs, and events that provide funding to serve our mission.  The Foundation board receives no salary or donations from the foundation.  We are 100% volunteer organization.  We are here to show our Police Officers, First Responders, Military Warriors, their families and departments that they are supported, appreciated, and grateful for what they do.

HOKA HEY MOTORCYCLE CHALLENGE

The mission of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle ChallengeTM, operated and presented by the Medicine Show LLC, is to provide participants with an opportunity to test their fortitude and determination.  By facing and overcoming obstacles along the way, participants are encouraged to journey into a deep and critical examination of their own motives, actions, and beliefs and then to translate newfound strength and conditions into willingness to act on behalf of others.

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle ChallengeTM endeavors to Enrich, Inspire, Empower and Unite.           

“GOOD LUCK HIPPIE”

Make checks payable to:  Thin Blue Line Foundation-Attn: Christopher Bove-9109B Rockcrest Cr. Austin, Tx  78759

ABOUT DARYL “HIPPIE” THOMPSON

My first long-distance trip was in 1995, two-up on a Heritage Softail headed to Sturgis with a group of friends. I was hooked before we even got on the road. Little did I realize the impact this trip would have on me.  6000 miles in two weeks. Sturgis, Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone, Santa Fe… so much to see. Long distance riding was a thing for me.

Fast forward to 1999 and a planned trip to Sturgis.  My wife could not get away from work but encouraged me to go alone.  The first two days were hard, looking for the headlight in my mirror.  But as the days stacked up, it was on!

Been riding long distance solo since.  I’ve seen many Hoka Hey riders over the years and, quite frankly, ignored the call. 

2022 and I’m in Frankfort, KY on a run for a unique bourbon and chance upon a watering hole.  Imagine that!  A very confident older lady and her husband ask me if they can join me at my table because it was crowded.  I immediately noticed a very unique tattoo.  A simple line that runs up her forearm.  It has symbols.  What are they?  After a couple of drinks and flowing conversation, I ask about the tattoo.  She explains that it represents her solo walk on the Appalachian Trail.  Each mark is a milestone.  She is one of, if not, the oldest lady to walk the trail solo.  In conversation, I remark, “Oh, kind of like the Hoka Hey for motorcyclists.”  In describing the challenge, she interrupts me and says, “You need to do that.”  Her words hit hard. 

Upon returning home, I kept hearing her words.  So, I researched the Hoka Hey and found out the application process for the 2024 running would open in a week.  I jump and here I am. 

Now, at the young age of 63, I figure the time is now.  I’ve changed over the years.  I’ve always done what others wanted of me; now I do for me because I realize that a fulfilled me makes me better for others. 

As a retired LEO and President of the North Shore Chapter of the Thin Blue Line LEMC, I choose the Thin Blue Line Foundation as my charity.  The Thin Blue Line Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 2012. The Foundation’s vision and goals are “building partnerships between communities, business leaders, law enforcement agencies and military warriors through volunteering, civic support and promoting public safety.”

The Foundation lends special interest in providing financial and moral support to the families and communities of America’s First Responders and Military Warriors who have been seriously injured or suffered loss of life protecting the communities they serve. The Foundation also provides support for abused and neglected children by providing funds for school supplies, clothing, and hosting special seasonal events. Funds are generated by numerous fundraising events and the generosity of various donations.

The Foundation conducts several annual law enforcement and community motorcycle rides, cook-offs and events that provide funding to serve our mission. The Foundation board receives no salary or donations from the foundation as it is a 100% volunteer organization showing Police Officers, First Responders, Military Warriors, their families, and departments that they are supported, appreciated, and grateful for what they do.

Riding for those who defend the line.  Riding for those who defended the line and those they left behind. 

Hippie Too #1235

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