Injured Warrior Appreciation Run 655 Harley Motorcycles Take Over 1-5

Motorcycle ride revs up help for veterans in need
Orange County Register
Erika I Ritchie
Staff Writer
November 7, 2014

Injured Warrior Appreciation Run benefits support services for former military personnel.

Police officers stop southbound traffic on I-5 freeway as hundreds of motorcyclists take part in the Injured Warrior Appreciation Run.
MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

IRVINE – For retired Marines Sgt. David Martinez, the Harley-Davidson ride down I-5 to Camp Pendleton was much more than a chance to take his hog for a spin.

It meant creating hope and awareness for thousands of wounded veterans suffering the after effects of recent deployments. Martinez, of Irvine, knows those pains all too well – he faced them.

An infantry Marine, Martinez deployed to Iraq three times. He retired from the Marine Corps in 2012 and suffered difficulties that led to losing his wife and his home. But with help from the Wounded Warrior Battalion, he rebuilt his life.

On Friday, he was among 655 Harley riders and 225 passengers who rumbled along I-5 toward Camp Pendleton as part of the third annual Injured Warrior Appreciation Run.
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Fort Hood Soldier Killed in Motorcycle Crash

Fort Hood soldier dies in Killeen motorcycle crash
American-Statesman Staff
By Andrew McLemore
Sept. 21, 2014

A 23-year-old soldier died in an Army hospital Saturday night after a motorcycle crash in Killeen early that morning, police said.

He was riding his 2014 Harley Davidson on the 500 block of North 38th Street at about 8:30 a.m. when a 17-year-old driving a PT Cruiser failed to yield the right of way while turning into a parking lot, Killeen police spokesperson Carroll Smith said.
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Harley stolen from OEF OIF PTSD veteran, veterans show up

Thief Steals Veteran's Motorcycle
10 News Ohio
By Josh Poland
Friday August 1, 2014

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A motorcycle was one Central Ohio combat veteran's method of coping with his post-war stress.

Someone stole the bike and a community is now rallying around him.

Westerville-area resident James Martin served two overseas tours of duty with the U.S. Army. He was deployed to Iraq from 2009-2010 and to Afghanistan from 2011-2012.

He says his counselor suggested trying something new to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.

"I figured I'd get a bike and see how that went, and it helped a lot," he said. "Being out on the road with the wind in your face, you can clear your mind. I thought a lot clearer."

Martin says he bought a 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide this past April.

"It was denim black, old-school look. I love the old school bikes and this did it," he said.

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Orlando Harley Davidson Veterans Appreciation Weekend

Veteran's Appreciation Weekend - Defend Freedom Tour

Friday, July 25, 2014

6:30 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

On Friday evening, July 25th, The Concerned Veterans for America Defend Freedom National Tour is rolling in to Orlando Harley for a patriotic event featuring live music from rock band Madison Rising, complimentary BBQ & beer, plus special guest speakers to honor our veterans for the sacrifices they give to defend freedom and liberty for all. All are welcome. RSVP online today:http://summertour2014.com/tour_event/harley-davidson-orlando/

On Saturday, July 26, we are hosting a Veterans Appreciation Ride to benefit Operation Giveback. 
Ride Time: 8am Registration | 9:30am Safety briefing, Kickstands up 
Starting Locations: East Orlando Harley-Davidson OR Orlando Harley-Davidson South 
Destination: Orlando Harley-Davidson Historic Factory 
Registration Fee: $10 per person

Take a scenic ride to the Historic Factory Dealership to enjoy a patriotic performance from the Orlando Harley-Davidson Drill Team, followed by complimentary lunch, military displays and vendors, live music, a Parts Swap Meet and 50/50 raffle.

During both events, guests will be able to explore an interactive exhibit from the Museum of Military History and meet representatives from military support groups including OPERATION GIVEBACK, the USO, the American Legion and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

Event proceeds benefit Operation Giveback, a local 501C3 organization dedicated to helping our servicemen and women and their families in times of need.

Learn more about the Museum of Military History in Kissimmee:http://www.MuseumofMilitaryHistory.com

PTSD Marine Vet bought Harley while unemployed and no motorcycle license?

Wounded Marine Brett Smith claims Harley salesman exploited his PTSD episode
ABC News
Michael Chen
November 5, 2013

Smith files suit to cancel deal on $17K motorcycle

SAN DIEGO - A Camp Pendleton Marine believes his post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis was exploited after he was sold a pricey motorcycle in the middle of a severe PTSD episode.

Brett Smith joined the Marine Corps in 2006. Deployed with Special Forces in Afghanistan, Smith saw plenty of combat.

Just before leaving the Marines in 2010, he began suffering daily panic attacks, nightmares and other issues. He was eventually diagnosed with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury.

This past April, after five days of not sleeping, he said he began hallucinating.

"I was having conversations with my wife, even though she was not there," Smith said.

Smith, who was unemployed, said he suddenly decided he had to buy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and drove to a dealership in Irvine.

"I know I was sweating fast. I was talking fast. I know I was jittery, and I kept misplacing personal items like my wallet all over the dealership," said Smith.

Smith said the salesman asked if he was OK and gave him water for medication.

He said he told the salesman he had severe PTSD and planned to ride to Georgia with no motorcycle license.

After several hours, Smith signed a loan agreement for the nearly $17,000 Harley.
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Veterans' claims backlog spurs national bus tour

This is what happens when things are not fixed right int the first place. Not the first time veterans had to fight the government and won't be the last unless it is fixed right for good.

Just a reminder in case some of your friends forgot:

The fiscal 2009 IT budget request for the Veterans Benefits Administration is about 18 percent less than the fiscal 2008 proposal. The overall IT budget for the Veterans Affairs Department, VBA's parent agency, jumped 18 percent in President Bush's latest request. VBA's pending compensation and claims backlog stood at 816,211 as of January 2008, up 188,781 since 2004, said Kerry Baker, associate legislative director of the Disabled Veterans of America, during a Wednesday hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

Veterans' claims backlog spurs national bus tour
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
By KEITH ROGERS
October 4, 2013

Vietnam War veteran Dave Freeman led a pack of 40 motorcyclists and a tour bus to the Cashman Center Bikefest on Friday, launching the Concerned Veterans for America cross-country campaign to heighten awareness about a staggering backlog of veterans’ benefits claims.

The motorcade left the Red Rock Harley-Davidson parking lot on Rainbow Boulevard about 2 p.m., heading for the Bikefest event after a patriotic pep rally that featured a barbecue, music and speakers.

The cast included Jane Horton, widow of Oklahoma National Guard sniper Spc. Christopher Horton who was killed in Afghanistan in 2011, and Steve Russell, an Army lieutenant colonel who was a leader in the raid that captured deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein on Dec. 13, 2003.

In an emotional speech, Horton told the crowd of about 300 veterans and supporters gathered in the sun-drenched parking lot that they are all her heroes.

“I do not need to be told ‘freedom is not free,’” she said, her voice cracking as tears rolled down her cheeks. “Every day when I realize Chris isn’t with us, I know God has chosen me to carry his legacy. …I want you to know I will give my every last breath to defend the country that he defended for me.”
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Busy Saturday in Orlando for veterans and responders

Update from Cathy Haynes

September 2013 - Upcoming military, veterans and patriotic events in Central Florida

Sat. Sept 14  -  9/11 Tribute Event – Annual Military and First Responder Appreciation Event – 11am – 5pm at Waterford Lakes Town Center (near Regal Cinemas) in east Orlando between Colonial/SR50 and the 408 on Alafaya Trail.  A FREE public event to meet, learn and say “Thanks” to our men and women in uniform.  Displays, vehicles and demonstrations from military, Orange Co. Fire Rescue and Sheriff’s Dept.  Wounded Warrior, Homes For Heroes, The Camaraderie Foundation, The Lone Survivor Foundation, AMVETS, The American Legion, C.O.P.S. and many more non-profit support organizations will be present.  Raffle tickets will be sold, silent auction proceeds benefitting several charities.

LOTS of activities and games for families at no cost - Face painting, animals to pet, a caricature artist, a magician, music, games, thousands of dollars in hourly giveaways, and Warrior Way, an intense set of inflatable’s and obstacle courses sure to entertain every age. The event’s main sponsors are Carl Black Chevrolet, Orlando Harley Davidson, Darden Restaurants, The Crosshairs, Playnation of Orlando, the Orlando Solar Bears and the Orlando Magic. Promoted by Game Plan Media and The Crosshairs; Info: Laura Burk  407.900.1915  laura@gameplanmedia.info

Sat. Sept 14  -  Borinqueneer’s Florida Honor Ceremony – The US Army 65^th Infantry Regiment heroes and Patriots gathering will be recognized by Florida Governor Rick Scott and others for their service.  The Puerto Rican group of warriors was formed by Congress in 1899 and served in WWI, WWII and Korea until it was integrated.  Thru the years they experienced discrimination and segregation without recognition.  Just as there was past belated recognition for the Navajo Code Talkers, Tuskegee Airmen, Women Air Force Service Pilots, and others, the Borinqueneer’s stand to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.  With many of the warriors currently living in Central Florida, this event will recognize and provide an update on the CGM process.  Event also will have health fair, veteran assistance, music. Free, 1 PM (doors open at 12 noon) at the Kissimmee Civic Center at 201 E. Dakin Ave., Kissimmee, 34741.  Info:Bethzaida.Garcia@osceola.org  407-742-0101; or Dennis Freytes (VP for the NAUS, SE Region) atdennisfreytes@hotmail.com   407-298-1151.

Sat. Sept 14  -  Job Fair – Actual hiring businesses; Classes for job seekers in resume writing, interviewing, etc.  Classes for entrepreneurs in doing business with Orange County, federal govt,; starting businesses, loans, etc.  Free and open to all.  Sponsored by FAVOB (FL Assoc. of Veteran Owned Businesses) and the Small Biz Alliance of Windermere.   9:30am – 3pm at Faith Assembly Church, 9370 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, 32825.  Info: Dan Fanelli  407.844.7632  vicechair@favob.org   Event flyer available.

Sat. Sept 14  -  Fairways for Warriors Golf Tournament – 9am start at Kings Ridge Golf Club in Clermont.  Second Annual Fairways for Warriors Golf Tournament to provide golf instruction, equipment and tee times to help disabled veterans overcome their challenges.  At least one wounded warrior will be on each team.  Info:  352-242-4653.

(Notice courtesy of Ed Burford, Seminole Co. VSO.)

  

Sat. Sept 14 – 9^th Annual Jason Burnett Memorial USO Benefit Ride in Orlando. This is a 70 mile Police escorted motorcycle ride to benefit the USO Care Package Campaign.  Come to Orlando Harley Davidson South – 7786 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy/US 192, Kissimmee (4.3 miles west of I-4).  Registration: 8:30-10:00 AM.  Kickstands up at 10:45.  After ride Party: 12noon – 3pm with Live Music, food, beverage, silent auction, more.  POC: Viola Pearce at 407-892-2246, usobenefitride.com

Sat. Sept 14  - Rack Up a Victory - Trick shot (artistic billiards) professionals to recognize veterans, military, first responders and their families.  All persons are invited!  Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman, Steve Lillis, and BCA Hall of Fame Inductee Mike Massey -  world champions have appeared on ESPN, etc.  1:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Sebastian K Ballroom, Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, 32819. Sponsored by Veterans Outreach Foundation (VOF) composed of local community defense industry volunteers.  POC – Diane at 407- 437-5922.

Sat. Sept 14 and 28  -  Dinner and Karaoke - Dinner starts at 5pm and Karaoke at 6pm to 10pm.  Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum (aka “the Bunker”), 3400 North Tanner Road,  Orlando, 32826.  New website at:  http://www.bunkerflorida.org      The museum is a place full of knowledge, experiences, and memories. It is here that you will discover many unique and historical artifacts of the Vietnam Era.  Open to the public with FREE admission on Saturdays from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Sundays from 10:00pm to 4:00pm. 

Marine gets new bike at Harley Davidson Anniversary Party

Wis. Marine receives surprise Harley at kickoff
By Associated Press
CREATED AUG. 30, 2013

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A Wisconsin Marine got a surprise when he helped kick off Harley-Davidson's 110th anniversary party.

First Sgt. Timothy La Sage rode a new 2014 Project Rushmore motorcycle onto the grounds of the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee Thursday.

After La Sage's ceremonial ride, Bill Davidson -- great-grandson of company co-founder William A. Davidson -- told the Milwaukee native to keep the motorcycle.
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Veteran and Patriot Guard Rider killed in motorcycle accident

Driver turns in front of motorcycle, kills Livingston veteran
Jun 11, 2013
By Jeff Awtrey
POLK COUNTY, TX (KTRE)

A Livingston motorcyclist, who was a Vietnam veteran, died after a driver pulled in front of him on FM 3277 in Polk County.

Randy Lee Harrington, 55, of Livingston, died at 9:15 p.m. on the scene.

According to the DPS report, Harrington was driving his 2006 Harley Davidson southbound on FM 3277, one mile south of FM 2457, at 8:50 p.m. when a Michael Clay-Brit Jones, of Livingston, who was driving a 1998 Chevy pickup northbound on FM 3277, turned in front of him to go into a private drive. Harrington hit the pickup.

Harrington was wearing a helmet.

Harrington was wearing a Vietnam veteran jacket and a Patriot Guard Rider helmet. Patriot Guard Riders is a national organization whose members ride motorcycles to military funerals to show support.

Harrington's friends and family are mourning Harrington's loss. East Texas News talked to some of his friends and fellow American Legion Riders.

"I got up this morning and noticed his motorcycle was gone," said Harrington's next-door neighbor and friend, Jim Lewis. "I had a bad feeling."
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Soldiers on motorcycles might be most effective in Afghanistan

Soldiers on motorcycles might be most effective in Afghanistan
By Seth Robson
Stars and Stripes
Published: June 8, 2013

In the past decade the U.S. has spent $45 billion on armored vehicles designed to protect troops against the roadside bombs which cost the enemy next to nothing to build and emplace.

It seems counter-intuitive, but some experts think a safer and more effective way to take on the bad guys might be to ditch the heavy armor in favor of a lighter, faster mode of transport. Many say that in places like Afghanistan, motorcycles would be a cheaper, safer and more effective vehicle for operations than the slow-moving armored personnel carriers preferred by the U.S. military.

It’s not a new concept.

In 1916, Gen. John “Black Jack” Pershing used Harley-Davidson motorcycles with machine guns mounted on sidecars during his hunt for revolutionary Pancho Villa along the border with Mexico.

The War Department fielded 60,000 more Harleys in World Wars I and II, and Kawasaki motorcycles are still used by the Air Force and Marine Corps today for air field surveys, convoy control and reconnaissance.
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Orlando area veteran's events from Cathy Haynes

UPDATES for Orlando area veteran's events from Cathy Haynes

Veterans Outreach Foundation, Inc. (VOF) is hosting their 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Haley House Fund, Inc. of Tampa. Sat. May 18. The fund provides assistance for temporary housing and transportation to families of critically wounded service members being treated at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa – one of only five military Polytrauma Rehabilitation Units in the country. Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge (Panther Lake Course). 7am registration, 8:30am tee time, 4-man scramble, shotgun start, $100 per player. On-course events include farthest drive, closest-to-pin, and hole-in-one with a grand prize of a 2013 Honda Accord! Sponsorships are available, 100% of proceeds benefit the charity. Entry fee includes golf, lunch, giveaways, and entry to silent auction. For more information or to register a foursome, contact Brandan Holbrook at 407-437-5922 or email VOF777@bellsouth.net.

I am volunteering at this. Are you?
Seminole County Homeless Veterans’ Stand Down on Sat. May 18, (Armed Forces Day) at the Seminole County Health Department. Stand Downs typically provide services such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling; as well as referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment and substance abuse treatment. Volunteer registration can be found on their website at HSNCFL. 400 W. Airport Blvd. Sanford.

6th Annual Memorial/National Armed Forces Day Event and Freedom Ride – Sat. May 18; Activities begin at 10am at Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson at 2480 U.S. 27, Clermont, 34711. $10pp tickets benefitting DAV. Live music, free lunch and “Freedom Isn’t Free” event pin to first 300 who register. See website for list of events. Ribbon signing which will be placed on wreath, at abt. 2pm Police escorted Freedom Ride to Bushnell National Cemetery for patriotic ceremony. Bring unwanted cell phones to donate to Wounded Warriors Outdoors. Stormy Hill Harley, click ‘News and Events’ or call Peggy at 352-787-8050 or cell 352-267-3190

Vietnam Veterans Recognition Celebration – Sat. May 18. Parade starts at 10am on Main Street Main Street and Disston Avenue, Tavares, 32778 in Lake County. Recognition and Honor Ceremony at 12noon in Wooten Park – notable keynote speaker is Capt. Charlie Plumb, USN(R) - a POW in Vietnam for six years. Info on website: http://vvr2013.org POC: George Wanberg at 352-250-9728 georgew@vvr2013.org Free and Sponsors welcomed!!!

The Museum of Military History in honor of Armed Forces Day presents their first annual Military Appreciation Weekend on Sat. and Sun., May 18 and 19 at Mac Overstreet Regional Park, 5271 Pleasant Hill Rd., Kissimmee, 34746. (South of Kissimmee on Co Rd 531) The event will be highlighted by a WWII battle re-enactment and weapons demonstration on Saturday. Local historian and re-enactor will attend in Civil War uniform to share information about the war that almost divided our country. Sunday: The 463rd Cadet Squadron Civil Air Patrol and Sea Cadet units will present the colors and participate in competitive events. Also a special concert of WWII and USO era music by the Bahia Dance Band. The program opens at 9am on Sat. and is open to the public. Admission is free but there is a parking fee of $7 to offset event expenses. Food vendors, booths, radio controlled airplane demonstrations, displays, and children’s activities will be available both days. Details: 407-507-3894 MuseumofMilitaryHistory.com

3rd Annual Pars and Stripes Forever Golf Tournament Camaraderie Foundation MONDAY May 20 at the Country Club of Orlando, 1601 Country Club Dr., Orlando, 32804. Assist our current military, veterans and their families through mental health support and counseling. Currently, Camaraderie has 59 people getting active counseling assistance. These are active duty personnel, veterans, spouses and their children seeking to strengthen troubled areas in their lives such as adjusting to home from the battlefield, Post Traumatic Stress and other issues. The organization gives scholarships to these brave families to assist them quicker/more timely than other resources. 407-841-0071

Captain mounts Harley to Stop Soldier Suicides

FORMER ARMY CAPTAIN RAISES MILITARY-SUICIDE AWARENESS ON CROSS-COUNTRY HARLEY TOUR
Posted on September 26, 2012
by Eddie Scarry

Brian Kinsella never had any suicidal thoughts when he served in the U.S. Army. But he knew people who did and who followed through with them.

“I think going through deployment as a single man who didn’t have a family or children at home, I was in a much different place,” Kinsella told TheBlaze. “I didn’t deal with some things that other soldiers dealt with.”

Kinsella’s experience led him to create Stop Soldier Suicide, a non-profit that aims to raise awareness about suicide in the military and offer mental health counseling to soldiers who need it. On Friday, he’s attempting to further his cause by embarking on a 5,000-mile cross-country trip. It starts in Washington state, ends in New York City and he’s doing the whole thing on a Harley motorcycle.

Through the Stop Soldier Suicide website and social media, Kinsella said he’s seen outpouring of support across the country for his trip. He’s hoping many of the people who have reached out, soldiers and non-soldiers alike, will join him on their own Harleys as he passes through their towns.

The suicide rate is a big concern for the Army. So far in 2012 (through July), there have been 66 confirmed suicides among active-duty Army personnel and 50 more potential suicides that are still being investigated. For all of last year, the Army reported 165 confirmed suicides. Among non-active soldiers, there have been 54 confirmed suicides among Army National Guard and Army Reserve personnel compared with 118 confirmed suicides for all of 2011.
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Secret Millionaire Jacobs brought to tears by homeless veterans

How could a guy that loves Harley's go wrong? After all, with all the motorcycle groups doing good work for veterans, I had a feeling this guy would have his heart tugged more by homeless veterans than anything else. I was right.

I don't usually watch the show but once I heard homeless veterans would be one of the causes, I had to watch and I ended up crying.

Last night ABC Secret Millionaire was Scott Jacobs and his daughter Alexa.
One of the places they went to was G.I. Go Transition Center in New Jersey.

G.I. Go Veterans Transition Center
The transition center was founded after a friend of the men behind the place was killed in Iraq six years ago. They help veterans adjust to life when they get back home. Scott and Alexa take part in a training session for a midnight mission to search for homeless veterans. Alexa meets Ray, a Vietnam vet who suffers from PTSD. Scott is overwhelmed to see his daughter being so courageous so far out of her comfort zone.

Scott and Alexa take part in a "Stand Down" event which provides food, clothing and medical assistance to homeless veterans and their families. They meet the mother of Seth Dvorin, the 24-year-old who saved 18 men in Iraq.

The G.I. Go fund exists to keep his memory alive. Seth's friends don't take a salary, they live at home and they barely scrape by. Scott wants to help them out right away. He presents the organization with a check for $75,000. Tears of joy stream down the face of Seth's mother. His friends are speechless. As for Scott and Alexa, they leave the place with smiles on their faces that will last the rest of the day.

ABC Secret Millionaire Scott Jacobs

Link to the video from last night

If you ever want to find a reason to like rich people again, this show will do it. They are not all greedy and out for themselves. It was easy to see how much Scott and daughter Alexa cared about these homeless veterans.

Jacobs couldn't even wait for the next day to hand them the check once he decided to donate to them. He said another day is one more day they cannot help. Lord I wish I could have given him a hug when he handed the check to them!

GI Go Fund and Mayor Cory Booker Announce the Nationwide Launch of “Midnight Missions” for Homeless Veterans, as seen on the Season Premiere of ABC’s “Secret Millionaire”

Sunday, June 3rd 2012
GI Go Fund Executive Director Jack Fanous and Newark Mayor Cory Booker will reach out to homeless vets in Philadelphia, PA, Baltimore, MD, and Washington, DC. Announcement comes during a screening of the Season Premiere of ABC’s “Secret Millionaire”, highlighting the GI Go Fund’s work with homeless veterans.
Newark, NJ (PRWEB) June 03, 2012

GI Go Fund Executive Director Jack Fanous and Mayor Cory A. Booker announced that they will conduct nationwide “Midnight Missions” for homeless veterans, a comprehensive effort spreading through several major cities that will provide veterans who have the misfortune of living on the streets with critical services that will help them find a home. The "Midnight Missions" will reach the cities of Philadelphia, PA, Baltimore, MD, and Washington, DC.

The announcement came during a live screening of the Season Premiere of ABC’s “Secret Millionaire”, which shows millionaires concealing their identity while volunteering with nonprofit groups as they assist people in their community. The first episode of the season highlighted the work that the GI Go Fund does with the homeless veteran population, specifically their “Midnight Missions”, where volunteers go out at 4:00 am to areas densely populated with homeless veterans, including Newark Penn Station and Newark Liberty International Airport, to provide them with food, clothes, emergency medical assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as well as to collect information critical to help homeless veterans get off the street and into a home of their own.

The episode also featured the GI Go Fund’s “Stand Down for Homeless Veterans”, which provides homeless veterans with food, clothing, medical screenings from the VA, legal assistance, haircuts, and connections to housing opportunities. Following these events, the organization was awarded a $75,000 donation by “Secret Millionaire” and acclaimed Harley Davidson artist Scott Jacobs and his daughter, Alexa.
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Orlando Nam Knights bike week party ends in sadness

The names have been released

Dannis was also an Orlando Firefighter

FHP: Teen driver turned in front of motorcyclists, setting off fatal crash

By David Breen, Orlando Sentinel
11:56 a.m. EDT, March 11, 2012

The Florida Highway Patrol today released the identities of those involved in a Colonial Drive crash that left one motorcyclist dead and two more injured.

According to FHP, Dannis Bish, 54, of Orlando was killed in the crash, which happened shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday on Colonial Drive at Chuluota Road, in East Orange County.

His passenger, Jayne Bish, 53, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with critical injuries.

Another motorcyclist, Robert Martinausky, 52, also of Orlando, suffered serious injuries. He was also taken to ORMC.

FHP said the two motorcycles were traveling westbound on Colonial Drive when 16-year-old Raeann Trapp tried to make a left-hand turn from Colonial onto Chuluota Road and drove directly into the bikes' path.

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Today was a celebration at the Orlando Nam Knights clubhouse. The annual bike week party was a lot of fun but after the party, the Nam Knights lost one of their own and another one is badly injured along with a wife. I just got back from the hospital and will have more news as soon as all the family members have been notified. For now, please pray for the family and the brotherhood of the Nam Knights.


Fatal accident shuts down eastbound lanes of State Road 50
March 10, 2012
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A deadly accident shut down eastbound lanes of State Road 50.
Troopers said the accident happened at Chuluota Road just after 9:00 p.m. Saturday.
Investigators said a car turning left onto Chuluota did not yield for two motorcycles.
WFTV found out a man died at Florida Hospital East and two others were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Stay with Eyewitness News Daybreak and WFTV.com for updates on this developing story.

Purple Heart Harley stolen from National Guard soldier

Soldier’s Purple Heart bike stolen

(Courtesy of Fairfax County Police) - The 2003 Harley Davidson — with a unique custom purple paint job — was stolen from a parking garage in the 5500 block of Seminary Road in Fairfax County.

By Justin Jouvenal, Published: June 21

In his 28 years in the armed forces, Russ Long has guarded the Tomb of the Unknowns, worked as a military police officer and served as an Army reservist.

But Long said he recognized that some had given even more in service to the country, and he wanted to honor them. So, two months ago, he decided to turn his 2003 Harley-Davidson into a rolling, roaring memorial to the service members who had fallen.

On Thursday, with his work still unfinished, a thief snatched the bike.

“The military is my life,” said Long, currently serving in the Army National Guard. “That’s why I knew this project was the right thing to do. That’s why I’m so devastated my motorcycle was stolen.”

Long had sketched a design for two Purple Hearts to adorn the back and a third to be emblazoned across the front along with the slogan, “Dedicated to those who sacrificed all.”
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Soldier Purple Heart bike stolen

Yes this Chaplain wears leather

Yes this Chaplain wears leather.




These pictures were taken with Semper Fidelis at the Orlando VA nursing home when they cooked a Thanksgiving meal for some of our heroes.

Maybe the next time you see a biker with a leather vest, you won't be so tempted to judge them.

I am proud of being a Chaplain and of my leather vest as the wife of a Nam Knight, because I am proud of them and all they do.

Harley Davidson may leave faithful workers and riders?

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Builder modifying veteran's bike — at the VA's expense

Builder modifying veteran's bike — at the VA's expense

A custom shop in Waterford Township, Mich., is modifying a bike for a Vietnam veteran who lost his legs below the knees, and the Veteran’s Affairs Administration is picking up the tab for the modifications.

American Road Shop is doing the modifications for the veteran, who asked not to be identified.

He bought a used 2000 Harley-Davidson Softail with a 1450 cc engine for about $13,000, American Road Shop owner Tim Beaubien, whose staff is converting it to a trike and making it entirely hand-operable.

Beaubien and Mike Brause, a certified mechanic, have been working to modify the transmission to add a reverse gear and the shifter and brakes for full control from the handlebars.

The Veteran’s Affairs Administration wrote a prescription for the veteran to cover the $8,000 conversion.
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Builder modifying veteran bike

DAV gets million dollar grant from Harley Davidson

Harley-Davidson Foundation Presents $1 Million Grant to Disabled American Veterans

ATLANTA, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) yesterday announced the awarding of a second $1 million grant from the Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc. to the non-profit organization, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Harley-Davidson's relationship with the DAV dates to 2006, when the Harley-Davidson Foundation made a prior $1 million grant to the organization. The new grant announced yesterday at the DAV National Convention in Atlanta is designated for continued funding of the DAV's Mobile Service Office (MSO) program over the next four years.

"We are proud to continue our relationship with the DAV and help the organization support veterans of all generations," said Gail Lione, President, Harley-Davidson Foundation. "Veterans have always been important members of the Harley-Davidson family and partnering with the DAV is an ideal way to support them and recognize their contributions to our country."

The DAV MSO program increases veterans' accessibility to benefits by literally putting service offices on the road. Since 2007, this program sponsored by Harley-Davidson -- dubbed Harley's Heroes® -- has visited thousands of sites across the United States, providing important counseling and assistance to help tens of thousands of veterans secure the benefits to which they are entitled from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and other government agencies.

"Harley-Davidson not only represents freedom and patriotism, the Company backs up its brand and generously supports those brave men and women whose sacrifices protect our nation," said DAV National Adjutant/CEO Arthur H. Wilson. "Through the support of the Harley-Davidson Foundation, DAV representatives have visited nearly 300 dealerships across the nation on the Harley's Heroes tour, delivering free benefits assistance to disabled veterans and their families through our Mobile Service Office program. It's hard to put into words just how much the Harley's Heroes program has meant to thousands of sick and wounded heroes."

Founded in 1920 by disabled veterans returning from World War I, the DAV has continually represented the unique interests of the men and women who bear the wounds and scars of war. Through their network of 110 National Service Offices, 10 mobile service offices, and Transition Service Officers at more than 100 military installations, the 1.2 million member DAV builds better lives for all America's disabled veterans and their families. In 2009, DAV represented nearly a quarter of a million veterans and their families in their claims for VA benefits, obtaining for them nearly $4.5 billion in new and retroactive benefits.

To learn more about Harley-Davidson's support of veterans, visit, www.harley-davidson.com, including the "Salute to Veterans" page.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell), and MV Agusta. The Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization supporting the communities in which the Company has facilities and selected national causes including veteran's initiatives.


SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Firefighter in critical condition after wrong-way motorcycle crash

Firefighter in critical condition after Carrollwood wrong-way motorcycle crash
By Kim Wilmath, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Thursday, October 22, 2009


CARROLLWOOD — A 47-year-old Hillsborough County firefighter was hospitalized early Wednesday after she crashed her motorcycle into a pickup truck on S Village Drive.

Patti Valero of Brandon was driving a Harley-Davidson the wrong way in the eastbound lanes of S Village about 1 a.m., according to a Hillsborough County sheriff's report. Valero collided with an eastbound red Chevy pickup driven by Peter Spiropoulos, 21, of Tarpon Springs.
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Firefighter in critical condition