Hundreds Ride in Memory of Aaron Toppen

Despite Sunday’s rainfall, the streets of Mokena filled with the roar of motorcycles for the first Aaron Toppen memorial motorcycle run.

The late soldier’s mother joined the bikers for the two-hour event. “This is a way we can make it through life,” said Pam Toppen, according to a Daily Southtown report.

Toppen, 19, of Mokena, was one of five Americas killed June 9, 2014, in Afghanistan in an air strike in one of the deadliest friendly-fire incidents in the war’s history. It’s believed the strike was called in after the Taliban ambushed Toppen’s unit.

Proceeds will benefit the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association, with which Toppen and his fiancée were very involved.

This video was uploaded to YouTube by Jerry Gralewski.