POW-MIA Kick-Starts Annual Rally

Thousands of motorcycles and leather-clad bikers are invading Pocatello this weekend to help make sure missing soldiers are never forgotten.

From roaring engines, to tattoos, to death-defying stunts, organizers said there’s no shortage of things to do or see at this year’s POW-MIA Rally.

“What’s going on? We’ve got a ton going on. We’ve got more going on this year than we’ve ever had going on,? POW-MIA Director of Public Relations Casey ?X-Ray? Jackman said.

The event brings thousands of people and bikes to the Bannock County Fairgrounds.

“We bring in people from all over the country. We’ve got a map at our entrance where everybody is marking where they came from. They come from all over the place for this,? Jackman said.

One of those motorcyclists who’s made the trip is Charlie.

He and his team of stunt bikers go to motorcycle rallies and fairs across the country.

For the thrill of the crowd, they take their rides sideways around the Wall of Death.

“My life is to ride around the country showing people this piece of Americana,? Charlie said.

All the fun has a greater purpose: drawing attention to American prisoners of war and the missing in action.

“It’s stuff like this that keeps it in the minds of the rest of the people out there and in the hearts, letting these people know that there’s people in other countries that haven’t been accounted for still,? Charlie said.

“This organization has donated over $100,000 towards helping to get these men and women home. And even if it’s the remains of those men and women, even if it’s just a DNA sample that we can match up and bring a family closure, it’s worth donating that money to get them home,? Jackman said.

The rally continues through Sunday.

Tickets are $10 for kids, $15 for adults, and any military veterans get in free.