By Patricia A. Douglas
Post 911 Public Affairs Coordinator

The Post 911 Riders have been busy with several rides and other projects.
On March 20, members of the Riders went to Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City with 1st Lt. Dottie Jean, Riders service dog, to visit retired Lt. Col. Sara Narcissa Harris to help her celebrate her 101st birthday and thank her for her service.
According to Barry Nance, Riders captain, Harris spoke while she loved on Dottie. One of her caregivers said it was the first time she spoke in months.
Harris joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (later the Women’s Air Corps and then the U.S. Air Force). She served during World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
She was the first female executive officer in a combat zone in Vietnam and was commander of Tan Son Nhut Air Force Base in Saigon.
When Harris retired as a lieutenant colonel, she was the most decorated woman in the military.
After visiting with Harris, Dottie also got to visit with other veterans living at the facility.
The Riders are involved in other rides, including the Three Hots and a Cot ride in March.
“We will do other rides to show participation and get our name out there,” said Nance.
Getting off their bikes, the Riders meet at Oak Mountain Bowling Lanes on the third Friday of the month for business and pleasure. Spending quality time with fellow veterans is an important aspect with the Riders, according to Nance.
As a service project, the Riders are forming flag disposal and funeral honors teams. In honor of Memorial Day, the group will have a flag disposal ceremony on May 30 at 5 p.m. in the parking lot of Hoover Tactical Firearms. All are invited to witness this short but important educational opportunity.