Incorporated in 1995, Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is a class 501(c)(4) non-profit organization with over 88 chartered chapters throughout the United States and members abroad.  While many members of Rolling Thunder are veterans, and many ride motorcycles, neither qualification is a prerequisite. Rolling Thunder members are old and young, men and women, veterans and non-veterans. All are united in the cause to bring full accountability for POWs and MIAs of all wars, reminding the government, the media and the public by our watchwords: “We Will Not Forget.”  The name Rolling Thunder is derived from the constant bombing of North Vietnam in 1965 and was given the name, "Operation Rolling Thunder."  No officers or members of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. receive compensation; we all donate our time.

VETERAN & COMMUNITY SERVICE

·         In 2007, Rolling Thunder® Charities, Inc. was established as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, non-profit organization which enables individuals and     corporations to receive a tax deduction for funds donated to Rolling Thunder Charities.  These funds are used for veterans, active military and their families in need of help.  No officers of Rolling Thunder Charities®, Inc. receive compensation; we all donate our time.

·         Rolling Thunder®, Inc. spends hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in financial aid, food, clothing and other essentials to veterans, homeless veterans and veterans' families in need, women's' crisis centers and toys for children. 

·         In 2005, Rolling Thunder®, Inc. united with the National Alliance of POW/MIA Families to petition the U.S. Government to use the designation “Prisoner of War/Missing in Action” (POW/MIA) – a designation recognized by the Geneva Conventions - not “Missing/Captured”.  This will ensure that prisoners’ rights and protections remain consistent under the Geneva Conventions.

·         Expenditures exceed over half a million dollars a year, nationwide, to educate the public and increase awareness about the POW/MIA issue and other injustices suffered by veterans.  The organization regularly donates POW/MIA flags to local area schools, youth groups, non-profit organizations and special interest groups, and organizes flag raising ceremonies.  Veterans speak to youth groups about the honor of serving their country and educating them about the POW/MIA issue.

·         Rolling Thunder®, Inc. sponsors search missions into Southeast Asia for POWs/MIAs, and the remains of those killed in action

·         Thousands of hours are logged in by Rolling Thunder©, Inc. members at local VA hospitals nationwide. Members visit and provide moral support to nursing home veterans and patients suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

·         Rolling Thunder®, Inc. helped facilitate the publishing of a POW/MIA U.S. postage stamp through the U.S. Postal Service that displayed dog tags with the declaration - "POW & MIA - NEVER FORGOTTEN"

·         Rolling Thunder®, Inc. National is on the Board of Directors of the Ride to the Wall Foundation, a veterans' fund established through the sales of the musical CD, "Ride to the Wall" produced for Rolling Thunder XIV by Paul Revere & the Raiders in cooperation with Rolling Thunder, Inc..

·         Rolling Thunder®, Inc. participated in the dedication of the World War II Memorial in 2004 and assisted with organizing the World War II parade that took place on that historic date.

LEGISLATION

Rolling Thunder®, Inc. has advocated and/or co-authored legislation to improve the POW/MIA issue, veterans' benefits, concerns and interests.