Johnson City, Tenn. -- More than 100 engines rumbled through the wind and rain Sunday afternoon -- the kind of weather Specialist Fred Greene loved.
The starting point for Rolling Thunder's benefit ride, a Bible church, was fitting too. Isaiah 6:8 was Greene's motto, and his inspiration to serve in the military.
The passage reads, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me.'"
"Fred spent about a year trying to decide what branch of the military he wanted to join," his mother Karen Nourse said.
"He joined the Army because, from his research, it appeared to be more family-friendly," she said.
On November 5th, a gunman shot Greene to death. His family would have moved to Fort Hood Texas eight days later. Greene's wife had already sold their house, quit her job, and notified schools.
"Fred had secured a townhouse for them to move into," Karen Nourse said.
Greene's family received dozens of high-profile condolences over the past two-and-a-half weeks, from generals and dignitaries, including President and First Lady Obama.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates attended the funeral.
"[Gates] told us it was the least he could do," Karen Nourse said. "He was very humble."
Perhaps more touching were the kind words of friends and neighbors.
"It would have been nearly impossible to get to the point we are at right now if we hadn't had their support," Rob Nourse said.
Sunday's benefit ride concluded with another show of support -- a candlelight vigil. It shined a little light at the end of their long, dark tunnel.
"If there's anything anybody here can do for you, we are here at your service," Pastor Vic Young said to the group.
Click the play icon above for a video version of this report.
Note: If you missed Sunday's ride, and want to help, First Tennessee Bank will accept donations at any area branch.
Ask about the "Benefit for Fred Z. Greene Family."
Mail-in donations will be accepted at P.O. Box 1596, Johnson City TN, 37601.
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