About our members!
Russ Tomblinson has been a member of A.B.A.T.E. since 1988. In late 2011 and into early 2012 Kevin Sager and Russ decided that Richland County needed its own Chapter of this great organization. And so they went to work! Talking to friends, aquaintances, and family members about exactly what A.B.A.T.E. was and why exactly one was needed here locally. After a lot of hard work in April of 2012 Richland County A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, Inc. was recognized at the state level as an official chapter!
Russ was our first Chapter President and held that role for many years. He has attended many state events and this year even got a chance to speak with the Governor during one of the many events that A.B.A.T.E. held to get people just like us face to face with those who make the laws! With his work in the Chapter he has seen us though the ups and downs, trials and tribulations that come with any type of charitable organization. Russ says nothing at the Chapter or State level surprise him any more because he has seen a lot! With 47 years of riding under his belt its no great surprise that he has seen so many things!!!
Thirty two years ago Russ got on a Harley Davidson for the first time and hasn't looked back! After 47 years on two wheels he will officially say "It's his favorite mode of transportation!!". And he has definitely passed that love on! His daughter Makenzi loves bikes almost as much as he does!
Russ was asked what he really wish people understood about A.B.A.T.E. and he said he wished that people really understood exactly how much influence A.B.A.T.E. has on State LAWS! And if he could change anything he simply wouldn't! A.B.A.T.E. is an amazing organization that does great work at the State and Chapter levels! However if Russ had an extra $50,000 just laying around to donate to A.B.A.T.E. he would like to see it used for events aimed at donating to children and the homeless.
As you can see Russ has deep roots not only in the Richland County Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. as a whole. he works closely with the Chapter and its officers and never misses a chance to attend any state event where he can learn how to make our chapter better or help make the state better as a whole! Russ we want to say thanks for all you do! If your not a member of A.B.A.T.E. and you would like to join if you see Russ out and about today stop him to chat and I bet he has an application with him because he never misses an opportunity to gain a member!
