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The Carolinas’ Full Throttle Magazine
Sergeant Joel G Goyco Memorial Ride
By: Trisha Photo by: Chi Force oel lost his life in a motorcycle crash in Harnett County, November 7, 2018. The soldier, 40-year-old Sergeant Joel Goyco of Bellport, New York served with the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was in service with the US Army since 2007. His friends attending his service discussed how honorable a homegoing service it had been. They stated the military sendoff was befitting as Joel was our hero. They talked about good times, such as Joel beginning his adventures of riding. Things that he said like he never knew the freedom of the road until he started riding his own motorcycle. The stories went on to honor and remember Joe, their riding partner. The memorial ride for Stg Joel G. Goyco, (9/19/197811/7/2018) took place on Saturday, December 1, 2018. The memorial event began at Cycle Gear. The bikers met and circled up
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for Joel. Everyone in attendance, to honor Joel. Joel rode for so many rides, the Fallen Soldiers, Missing In Action, and a whole host of charity rides. He loved riding and this day everyone rode for him, in his honor and much respect. Our hero, our heart--this ride is for you. Encircled in the parking lot before the ride began, this speech was prepared to be his biker family’s farewell: “A prayer for Joel Goyco, A tribute to a fallen solider: This is a touching day and I want to thank everyone for being part of this gathering. Today we say good bye to a great friend, mentor, biker, and above all else an honorable solider. Joel traveled around the world and many places he had never before known as a solider with the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. There were many times he felt far away from home and he lost holidays with family members. Just one of the sacrifices he made for his country. We can all say Joel was a man of “Smiles” and if you ever rode with him or knew him, he was always making you laugh or helping you see the good in life. He mentored and inspired many coworkers and friends. Joe’s first group ride was with Rolling Thunder in September of 2017. Joe stated he never felt so protected in his entire life, riding with a pack of Harleys. He was just a beginner rider at that time and from that moment he fell in love with riding. Every waking moment he would want to ride and always told me that he never felt real freedom within himself until he learned how to ride. Joe always thanked me endlessly for teaching him how to ride. It was an honor to know him and ride with him. When we light up the candles and trim our trees during the holiday, pray an angel watches over us and our freedom. Know that each of you are in our hearts. Remember the life Joe left us is a life of freedom.” (Given by Cristina Hendricks) Thank you all for everything you do to honor our military men and women. We are so thankful for each and every service member. They are our heroes and this day we rode for Sgt. Joel G. Goyco because it is our duty to honor all that have served! Rest in Peace Sergeant Joel G. Goyco! Thank you, Sir!