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The 3rd Annual Idaho Patriot Thunder rolls through the Treasure Valley, in hopes to make a difference in our military community.

They started out with around 300 riders, three years ago. This year, organizers said 775 motorcycle engines revved up, all at the same time and made some noise!

Each of the bikers put in their own time, money and gas to help military families in need.

"When I was deployed, it was really tough on my wife,” said SFC Joe Lammers, Idaho Army National Guard, “it’s nice to give back to them, and show our support and gratitude for what they do.”

Event Organizer Paul Daigle said each rider paid $25 to $30, and received a patch and dog tag.

The bikers, who signed up for the Patriot Thunder event, took a trip from Meridian to Mountain Home, and then to Nampa.

This year, organizers said they hope to raise $20,000 to $30,000 for veterans and military families in Idaho.

Patriot Thunder worked with the High Desert Harley Davidson, the Nampa Warhawk Museum, and Idaho's military.

The charity ride benefits three non-profit organizations. Proceeds will help support the Boise Veteran's Memorial Hospital, the Idaho Guard and Reserve Family Support, and the Mountain Home AFB's Operation Warmheart, for those currently deployed to Afghanistan. 

The Idaho Guard and Reserve Family Support Fund assists active members of the Idaho Guard Army Reserve, Marine Corp Reserves, and Naval Reserves in Idaho-based units and their respective families. 

Mountain Home AFB's Operation Warmheart helps the local community on a case-by-case basis to provide clothing, food, and other support for less fortunate military families and those with active duty spouses deployed out of state. 

With the great turnout this year, Patriot Thunder is already thinking about next year's ride. Event organizers said they hope to surpass 1,000 riders for the year 2013.