Grandparents ride motorcycle across country for soldiers’ children

By Dave Clark

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008 | midnight

Debbie Argel-Bastian's 4-year-old grandson remembers his father, an Air Force captain who died three years ago when his plane crashed near the Iraqi-Iranian border.

When the subject of the crash comes up, Logan retrieves a toy tool set that he says can fix the plane so his father can return home.

"He talks about him all the time," 56-year-old Argel-Bastian said. "He puts his hand over his heart and says, 'My dad is in here.'"

For children like her grandson, Argel-Bastian is motorcycling more than 6,000 miles across the country, raising money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides full college education to surviving children of fallen Special Operations personnel.

On Sept. 10, Argel-Bastian and her husband parked their rides at Henderson's VFW Post 3848 for a raffle and barbecue fundraiser — the latest stop on her mission to raise $105,000.

The couple left their home in Lompoc, Calif., on Aug. 15 and plan to return on Sept. 15 after stopping in 10 states as far away as Texas and Wisconsin.

"The need has never been greater," she said. "Many people think the government takes care of the children (of fallen military personnel). That is not true."

After the death of 28-year-old Air Force Capt. Derek Argel, Argel-Bastian was contacted by the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, informing her that her grandson would be taken care of. The foundation was initiated in 1980 after 17 military personnel died attempting to rescue Iranian-held hostages.

Grateful for the gift, Argel-Bastian wanted to contribute to the cause and arrived at the $105,000 figure after estimating her grandson's future college tuition.

Argel-Bastian noted there are now 730 children of fallen Special Operations personnel.

"I want everyone to understand how important it is," she said. "After the flags are folded, the children are left with the loss. The very least we can do is give them a full college education."

Her husband, 46-year-old Todd Bastian, said he supported her decision and decided to join her.

"I backed her 110 percent," he said. "It was a healthy way to turn a negative into a positive."

VFW Post 3848 Commander Ken Veith said Argel-Bastian took on a challenge, especially considering she had driven only about 50 miles on a motorcycle before starting this trip.

"When you think of living out of a motorcycle, it's quite an endeavor," said VFW Post 3848 Commander Ken Veith said, noting the threats of weather, mechanical breakdowns and traffic. "It's not a Sunday drive."

However, Argel-Bastian has been aided by a network of VFW posts and Harley-Davidson dealers, which have helped arrange lodgings and gas along the way. In Junction City, Kan., she said, people heard about their route through the Internet and held a sloppy Joe dinner that raised $850. This came after the community was ravaged by a tornado earlier this summer.

On Sept. 9, the Marine Riders and Las Vegas Harley-Davidson Hogs escorted the Bastians across the Hoover Dam. The Sept. 10 event was sponsored by the Southern Nevada Blue Star Mothers and Nevada Families United. Blue Star Mothers of Southern Nevada President Chere' Pedersen hoped to raise $2,000 from the raffle and barbecue.

So far, Argel-Bastian has raised more than $30,000.

"People are organizing throughout the country when they hear about it," Argel-Bastian said. "Families are opening their homes to us, especially ones that have sons and daughters serving."

Veith said he was glad Argel-Bastian's message reached Henderson.

"Veterans are always trying to help out," he said.

Dave Clark can be reached at 990-2677 or [email protected].