Mike Rowe Gets Stunned by Honoring Veteran Dedicated to Helping Other Veterans

Mike Rowe surprises veteran in 'Returning the Favor'

Fox News 
Published August 31, 2017

Rowe surprised Zaidement with equipment for his shop, one year's worth of rent, a new coat of paint. Additionally, The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association presented the shop with $17,500

Mike Rowe gave a veteran the surprise of a lifetime in the first episode in his Facebook series "Returning The Favor."

The former "Dirty Jobs" host traveled to Indiana to meet up with an army veteran who started an organization to help his fellow veterans overcome post-traumatic stress disorder.

Jason Zaidement founded Operation Combat Bikesaver after he watched his father, a Vietnam War vet, struggle with PTSD.

"I love this place," Rowe says when he visits the bike shop that Zaidement built.

Zaidement said he started his shop as a way to "give back."
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The thing that totally blew me away in this is when Jason Zaidement said that his Dad's ashes are in the clear coat on his bike so that he will be on the ride with him!

US Military Vets Motorcycle Club Lost Home to Fire

Veterans biker club headquarters burns down
WCJB ABC News
Published February 27th, 2017

"Our home burnt down. We know our community is behind us and we know the brotherhood doesn't go with the ashes of the house, because that's in here (points to heart) and we will grow here," Reeve said. 

MARION COUNTY, Fla -- A veteran group in Marion Country is recovering from the shock of losing their headquarters in a massive fire.

The building was located near the intersection of SE 135th Ave. and SE 114th St. Rd. in Ocklawaha. The US Military Vets Motorcycle Club Marion County Chapter used this home as their headquarters since 2001.

The century-old home full of memories was left a pile of burnt wood and ashes Monday afternoon. Marion County Fire Rescue responded around 6:30 AM. Monday. HAZMAT teams members responded to the scene to mitigate propane tank hazards.

"You can't replace the items we had in the house that reflects our entire history. All the photos from our community involvement, the appreciative certificates and plaques that we had from our community," said David Reeve, a spokesperson for the club.

It was a gathering place for a brotherhood formed through years of sacrifice and service.

"Our brothers who are fallen; their memorials are in there," Reeve said.
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Dog Has Afghanistan Veteran's Back...On Motorcycle

Dog Loves Going On Motorcycle Rides With His Veteran Dad
The DoDo
Christian Cotroneo
February 14, 2017

"With my PTSD, I don't do well in crowds and with unfamiliar people and places. She watches my back."

When the crowds got to be too much for Keith Campeau, he had a friend to take him away from it all: his motorcycle.

Campeau would get on the open road in Edmonton, Alberta, and feel the sanity-saving grace of being alone. It's been like that ever since the Canadian soldier came back from a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2011 with a crippling case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Crowds made him painfully anxious.

"When I first got back, that was my one escape — to jump on the bike and take a ride when I was getting out of hand," Campeau tells The Dodo. "That was a kind of self-induced therapy."

But the motorcycle couldn't always be there for him. And the crowds — on busy sidewalks and in teeming malls — never seemed too far behind.

"It was like World War 3 every night getting home from work," he explains. "When I went out in public, I started bumping into people. In crowded areas, I started knocking people over."

A psychologist recommended Campeau find another friend: a dog.
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American Legion Riders Rescued Stranded Bruce "Boss" Springsteen

SEE IT: Bikers help stranded Bruce Springsteen on Veterans Day
COX Media Group National Content Desk
by: Michelle Ewing
Nov 13, 2016

FREEHOLD, N.J. - A group of New Jersey bikers came across an unexpected sight while on a Veterans Day ride – Bruce Springsteen stranded on the side of the road.

"Bikers gotta stick together," Dan Barkalow, a motorcyclist with the Freehold American Legion group, told The Associated Press. "I stopped to see if he needed help, and it was Bruce."

The group attempted – without success – to fix Springsteen's broken-down motorcycle. After throwing in the towel, Springsteen rode with another American Legion motorcyclist, Ryan Bailey, to a nearby bar and hung out with the men.
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Double Amputee Marine Gets Triple Wheels

Amputee veteran receives custom motorcycle
KAKE News
Posted: Jun 30, 2016


WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - A Marine who was injured five years ago in Iraq received a three-wheeled wish Thursday, thanks to some big-hearted people in Wichita.

A special motorcycle was the work of Allan "Big Al" Gaihter of Riverside H-D Customs. He's considered one of the best custom bike builders around, but his latest menacing-looking three-wheeler was one of a kind.

"We dropped this frame four inches, and built the entire back by hand," Gaihter explained. "This is actually the first trike that I got to do, a pretty radical custom. It was a fun build."

But just as unique as the bike is its brand new owner. Matt Amos is a Marine veteran who did two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. But it was that visit to Afghanistan that was life-changing.

"In 2011, I ended up stepping on an improvised explosive device and became a double amputee," Amos explained.
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Driver Ran Over Veteran Couple in Pack On Memorial Day

WATCH: Driver appears to run over motorcycle in Pasco County
By WFLA Web Staff
Published: May 30, 2016

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Shocking video appears to show a driver running over a motorcycle in Pasco County. The incident occurred at US 41 and County Line Road around 5:30 p.m. Monday.

In the video, a male driver and female passenger are knocked off the bike. They are both seen standing up. According to Florida Highway Patrol, both people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Robert Paul Vance booking photo (Courtesy Pasco County Sheriff’s Office) 

Abe Garcia posted the video and shared it with News Channel 8. He says the people on the bikes are veterans and for this incident to happen on Memorial Day is a shame.
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Green Beret Lost Arm But Not Faith And Returned to Full Duty

Green Beret returns to full duty after losing arm in Afghanistan
FOX 32 News
April 22, 2016

"Continue to move forward. Don't let your situation define who you are. Don't let your situation stop you from your goals. Everything and anything is possible with faith and determination." Sgt. 1st Class Ivan Morera

Photo Source: U.S. Army

A Green Beret returned to full active duty service more than two years after his hand was amputated stemming from a vehicle roll-over in Afghanistan. Sgt. 1st Class Ivan Morera, a Special Forces medic, will continue to serve with the 7th Special Forces Group.

Army.mil described the incident that caused Morera's injury: In August 2013, an insurgent on a motorcycle drove up to the front-left tire of the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle that Morera was driving. Aware of intelligence reports stating insurgents were employing suicide bombers on motorcycles, Morera swerved to avoid the attacker. The insurgent pursued Morera's vehicle, even as he swerved multiple times. The final time Morera swerved, the vehicle went off the road. When he over-corrected to return to the road, the vehicle began to roll over. While the vehicle flipped, the driver's side door next to Morera broke off its hinges and combat lock.
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Dummy Decided To Take Afghanistan Veteran's Motorcycle While He Was On It?

Combat veteran attacked while on motorcycle by chase suspect fights back
ABC 15 News
Vivian Padilla
Mar 24, 2016

MESA, AZ - While waiting at a stoplight, a veteran's combat skills were put to the test when a wanted man, who led police on a chase , approached him from behind and tried to steal his motorcycle.

Brandon Jenkins was on his bike on Southern Avenue and San Jose when Joshua Michael Monigold, who was driving a white pick-up truck , ran out of the truck and tried to push Jenkins off of his motorcycle just as he was about to take off.

Jenkins, a combat veteran, fought back. He wasn't going to let his bike, which he purchased with money earned during his time in the military, get stolen.

"One minute this dude is trying to rip me off my bike and I'm trying to fight him," Jenkins said. "And then I see two cops pull up and draw their firearms."
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Sixty Fort Hood Soldiers Ride Motorcycles to Unplanned Funeral

Fort Hood bikers bring VA vets holiday cheer
DVIDS
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Story by Sgt. Brandon Banzhaf
December 18, 2015

Sgt. Brandon Banzhaf
Soldiers with the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division participate in a ceremony for a veteran who passed away at the William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home, Dec. 18, at Temple, Texas. The Soldiers volunteered to be the pallbearers to show their respect for their fallen comrade.

FORT HOOD, Texas – More than 60 Soldiers with the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division rode their motorcycles to the William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home, Dec. 18, in Temple, Texas, to spend time with the veterans.

Decked out in military uniforms, the bikers performed safety checks and headed out in 35-degree chill to spend the day sharing camaraderie and holiday cheer with the vets. First starting out with bingo, the Soldiers and VA home residents settled into an afternoon swapping stories and enjoying each other’s company.

“We came here today to visit the veterans and pay our respects to them,” said Spc. Devin Henson, a Moore, Oklahoma, native and Soldier with the 3rd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “We learned about their history in the military and thanked them for their service, because if it wasn’t for them enlisting, we wouldn’t even be here today being able to serve our country.”

When Soldiers participate in a motorcycle mentorship ride, they usually ride to a destination focusing on riding safe and turn around to head back. But the 3rd ABCT wanted to make this ride more meaningful.

Earlier in the day, an Air Force veteran, Raymond Lambring, passed away at the home. As the staff was transporting him to the funeral home, the Soldiers lined the hallways of the facility to pay their respects. Six Greywolf Soldiers served as pallbearers, transporting him through the hallway lined on both sides with veterans, Soldiers and the facility staff.
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One More Thing About Bikers Getting Old

Time to laugh a bit. 

A friend sent this picture.

Yes, you read it right and don't need to check your glasses.

It says Sons of Arthritis. Turns out there is a website for our generation with even more stuff for us.

They have T-shirts for Ibuprofen Chapter, Titanium Chapter and Hydrocodone Chapter butt I didn't see any Hemorrhoids Chapter.

Nam Knights Memorial Service for Frenchie

There was a Pastor a while back talking to the mourners at a memorial service. Everyone seemed to be asking why the veteran died. He told them to shut their eyes for a second. Each of them had been given the power of life or death. Eyes popped open! He asked them how they would decide who lives and who dies. After all, it seemed to be the natural question given the fact so many were searching for why God let it happen. The Pastor let the thought of having that power sink in for a bit. Then he smiled. He told them they already had that power. When they forgot about someone, it was as if they were never here, thus, they died. Yet when they are remembered, when they leave a piece of them with us, they never die. 


Yesterday was one more of those days when people wanted to know why Frenchie left us. After all, he served in the Air Force and then the Army. He worked the rest of his life as you'll hear in the video below. He was a family man of many different families and Frenchie left a piece of him with everyone he came in contact with.

The thing I'll remember most about him, aside from the fact he was always there when anyone needed him, was the nickname he gave me of "chicken lady." I am a hugger. So was he. One day I was out at the Orlando Nam Knights Club house eating a chicken wing and he tried to hug me. I said "get away from my chicken" and we laughed so hard he turned red. Every time after that, he made sure I didn't have anything in my hands other than my camera.

Listen to the video and people talking about his life.

If yesterday was any indication, Frenchie will never really die for any of us. The Nam Knights Green Swamp Chapter reminded us how much of an impact he had on many lives.

Tampa Nam Knights Get PTSD Veteran Back on Bike

Bikers refurbish disabled veteran's stolen motorcycle
William R. Levesque
Times Staff Writer
Saturday, August 16, 2014

TAMPA — Army veteran Paul Rivera said he was planning to sell his $10,000 customized motorcycle before it was stolen from outside his Tampa apartment on June 18. But he's got it back. And he just might keep it forever.

"I'm never going to get rid of it now," Rivera said.

With the help of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and others, the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club Westside Chapter presented Rivera with his newly refurbished 2005 Honda CBR 600 at the Veterans Memorial Park and Museum Saturday.

After thieves stole the Honda, they nearly ruined it by trying to hide its orange and red colors by painting it black. Parts were missing and the bike's body was damaged. Even the seat was missing.

"Of course, it's not their bike," said Hillsborough Deputy Buddy Rudolph. "They stole it. So they don't take the best care of it."

After the bike was recovered on July 3 and thieves arrested, Hillsborough deputies decided to get the Honda repaired for Rivera, who is a disabled Iraq war veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
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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

Florida American Legion Veteran Kicked Out of Restaurant for "Gang Colors"

UPDATE I wonder if we'd get kicked out too?
MOH Sammy Davis and me at the Nam Knights

MOH Melvin Morris and me at the Nam Knights.

Florida American Legion motorcycle rider, veteran claims he was discriminated against by restaurant
Restaurant says it's a misunderstanding
WPTV
Jeff Skrzypek
Jun 11, 2014

“He goes, 'we don’t want you here, we don’t like what you stand for.' I looked at him and just went, ‘Wow,’” said Thompson.

LANTANA, Fla. -- - Bikers all across South Florida are threatening to boycott and protest the Old Key Lime House after an American Legion rider said he was discriminated against for riding a motorcycle and wearing patches that proclaim his military service.

Robert Thompson of Pompano Beach said he was at the Old Key Lime House on Saturday and was told to removed his leather vest. A manager told him they do not allow “gangs or colors” at the restaurant.

Thompson did not understand since the patches on his vest are affiliated with his service overseas in Iraq in the Navy. The patch on the back of the vest proclaimed his affiliation with American Legion Post 180.

“You don’t see anything that’s derogatory. You don’t see anything that’s intimidating. All it is, is just a bunch of bright colors. That’s like if I bedazzled my shirt,” said Thompson.

When Thompson pushed the issue with the manager, he was reportedly told “his kind” was not welcome at the Old Key Lime House.

“He goes, 'we don’t want you here, we don’t like what you stand for.' I looked at him and just went, ‘Wow,’” said Thompson.
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Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride to The Wall

Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride To The Wall Covered by CSPAN leaves a huge question. With so many so concerned about veterans, how could these videos have so few views?

• 
  MAY 25, 2014
  

  Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride, Part 5

  Members of the Rolling Thunder veterans' advocacy group were seen riding across the Arlington Memorial Bridge that spans the Potomac River connecting downtown Washington, D.C., and Memorial…

  2,811 VIEWS
• 
  MAY 25, 2014
  

  Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride, Part 4

  A live scene was shown of the Rolling Thunder XXVII “Ride for Freedom.” Members of the Rolling Thunder veterans' advocacy group were seen riding across the Arlington Memorial…

  2 VIEWS
• 
  MAY 25, 2014
  

  Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride, Part 3

  A live scene was shown of the Rolling Thunder XXVII “Ride for Freedom.” Members of the Rolling Thunder veterans' advocacy group were seen riding across the Arlington Memorial…

  3 VIEWS
• 
  MAY 25, 2014
  

  Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride, Part 2

  A live scene was shown of the Rolling Thunder XXVII “Ride for Freedom.” Members of the Rolling Thunder veterans' advocacy group were seen riding across the Arlington Memorial…

  4 VIEWS
• 
  MAY 25, 2014
  

  Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride, Part 1

  A live scene was shown of the Rolling Thunder XXVII “Ride for Freedom.” Members of the Rolling Thunder veterans' advocacy group were seen riding across the Arlington Memorial…

27th Annual Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion Wall Escort Video

Apr 28, 2014

Yesterday at Wickham Park in Melbourne Florida, the Vietnam traveling Wall was escorted by hundreds of motorcycles for the kick off the the 2014 Veterans Reunion.

Survivor of Vietnam War thanks Vietnam Veterans

Orlando Nam Knights Bike Week Party Huge Success

There has been plenty of speeches given about the Vietnam War and what veterans did. This one is from a survivor from South Vietnam and he wanted to thank Vietnam veterans for what they did for his people. He talked about them risking their lives for the freedom of his people. "Vietnam veterans never lost a single battle but politicians lost the war." This was at the Nam Knights Bike Week party yesterday.

The Escapes and My Journey to Freedom Hardcover by Du Hua

Iraq War Monument dedicated at moving ceremony

Iraq War Monument dedicated at moving ceremony
Cape Coral Daily Breeze
By Chuck Ballaro
November 12, 2013

CHUCK BALLARO
The Lost Riders motorcycle group, which rides for charitable causes, poses beside the Iraq War Monument at its dedication ceremony Sunday at Four Mile Cove Eco Park.

What started three years ago as a dream became reality Sunday, and hundreds of war veterans, dignitaries and even a famous rock star were on hand to witness the event.

The long-awaited Iraq War Monument was dedicated to all who served, were wounded or killed in battle in a moving, standing-room-only ceremony at the Four Mile Cove Eco Park's Veteran's Memorial area, that was made possible with the help of the community and the relentless efforts of those who worked to bring it, one of the first in the nation, to life.

For Michelle Rosenberger, who founded the committee which spearheaded the effort, it was a great day for her, the city and those who fought for our freedom.
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Detroit police officer collapses, dies at motorcycle event

Veteran Detroit police officer collapses, dies at motorcycle event
By myFOXDetroit.com
Staff
Posted: Sep 16, 2013

FLINT, Mich. (WJBK)
Detroit police are grieving the loss of a veteran officer who died suddenly during a motorcycle competition.

The department says Rodney Jones, 49, was competing in 'Bikes on Bricks' in Flint Saturday afternoon when he suddenly stopped his bike and collapsed.

Medics rushed the 28-year veteran to Hurley Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.
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