Thank You Veterans! Thunder Roads Ohio will be regularly featuring Veterans groups within the magazine and online. We will also be publishing a VETERANS RIDE GUIDE for the STATE OF OHIO in 2022. This will include Veteran Oriented motorcycle events and organizations across Ohio – including a calendar covering the entire riding season. It’s our goal to help support countless charitable organizations, events, and the veterans they serve with this program. This was a project originally slated for 2020 publication, but as you can imagine – we had to postpone it. For information on how your organization or event can be included in upcoming Veterans features or in the VETERANS RIDE GUIDE, email us at ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com
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Ohio Department of Veterans Services Dvs.Ohio.gov
(614) 644-0898
This is the STATE agency that coordinates the services, provides support and oversight to the 88 County Veterans Service Offices (CVSOs) across Ohio – as well as various state Veterans programs / services. These duties include: • Administers the Ohio Veterans Bonus for veterans of the Persian Gulf War era and post-9/11 era conflicts, a program which is funded by bonds approved by Ohio voters. • Operates the Ohio Veterans Homes in Sandusky and Georgetown which are open to Ohio-resident veterans who served in periods of armed conflicts. • Hosts several veterans’ ceremonies each year including the Governor’s Wreath-Laying Ceremony which honors Ohio's killed in action and the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame induction ceremony. • Maintains custodianship of more than 1.9 million veterans’ records dating back to World War II.
Resources for Veterans There are a wealth of resources and organizations dedicated to serving veterans and their families in recognition of their service and sacrifices made. There are a tremendous number of resources out there, many of which can be accessed by www.OhioVets.gov We wanted to include a few items here worth mentioning specifically, but will have far more online at www.ThunderRoadsOhio.com – just click on the veterans tab.
County Veterans Service Offices In Ohio, each county has a Veterans Service Office which is staffed with professionals that are certified and dedicated to helping Veterans, their spouses and children, as well as surviving family members of deceased Veterans. They can assist Ohio’s Veterans in applying for benefits earned by active military service. These include: Federal – Disability Compensation, Pension, Healthcare, Education, Home Loans, Burial and Survivor Benefits State – Veterans Bonus, Education, Employment, Healthcare, Home Loans, Ohio Veterans Homes, and Military Injury Relief Fund. Local – Claim Preparation and Assistance, Financial Assistance, Transportation to VA Medical Appointments, and Indigent Burials. Many County Veterans Service and County Recorders also make Veterans ID Cards. Ohio Veterans can find their local Service Office by calling 877-OHIO-VET (877-6446838) or by visiting www.OhioVets.gov For instance, the Washington County Veterans Commission has partnered with Thunder Roads Ohio to help get their message to more Veterans. They will also have copies of Thunder Roads Ohio available each month at their offices.
Veterans Crisis Line The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has established a national Veterans Crisis Line to ensure that Veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. To operate the hotline, the VA partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans, family members and friends can call the lifeline number, 800273-TALK (8255) and press “1” to be routed to the hotline and speak to a counselor about any issue that is creating a crisis situation in his or her life. Contact: 800-273-8255 or text 4HOPE to 741 741 (Ohio’s Crisis Text Line) website: www.veteranscrisisline.net
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Military OneSource (militaryonesource.mil) is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive. As a member of our military family, you are eligible to use this Department of Defensefunded program anytime, anywhere. Turn to Military OneSource for tax services, spouse employment help, webinars and online training, relocation and deployment tools, and much more. Military OneSource offers a wide range of individualized consultations, coaching and non-medical counseling for many aspects of military life. Peer-to-Peer Support Deployments. Frequent relocations. Talk it out with someone who’s been there. Military OneSource provides you with the opportunity to have a relaxed, confidential conversation with a peer consultant. Military OneSource peer consultants hold master’s degrees in psychology or a social science. They also have firsthand life experience as service members or military spouses and are available to you, for free. Transitioning Veterans Military OneSource offers a specialty consultation that is designed specifically for service members transitioning to civilian life. Professionally trained consultants will help you identify goals, navigate benefits and connect you to resources to meet your needs. This consultation includes personalized sessions covering a range of topics, including: benefits, VA assistance, education opportunities and civilian workforce. Sessions are available by phone or video. Expanded Hourly Child Care Service Through Military OneSource, military families now have free access to a national database of more than a million caregivers so they can find hourly, flexible and on-demand child care. The nationally recognized online subscription service lets you: •
Search for care that fits your own needs and criteria
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Find potential care providers and view their profiles
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Check references
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Review background checks
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Interview, hire and pay providers on your terms
Have a question about the expanded hourly child care service or need help getting started? Military OneSource consultants are specially trained to help service members and their families set up accounts and get started on researching child care options. Building Healthy Relationships Military OneSource offers a specialty consultation that is designed to help you make your important relationships even stronger. This consultation is education-based and offers a series of personalized coaching sessions to help you deepen your relationships and set goals. You can complete the consultations wherever you are by phone or video. Call 800-342-9647 to access services, 24/7. THUNDER THUNDER ROADS® ROADS® OHIO OHIO MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
A Building Healthy Relationships Consultation helps you identify and achieve your personal relationship goals. You can explore relationship tools, resources and practical problem-solving solutions along seven tracks, including: • Strengthening the Couple Connection • Healthy Parent-Child Connections • Communication Refreshers • Staying Connected While Away Spouse Education and Career Opportunities As a military spouse looking for employment, Military OneSource can connect you to resources to help you define success and then reach it. Career coaches help with career exploration, education and training, licensure, employment readiness and more. And the MySECO online portal features dozens of tools and resources to connect you to information and employers. Whether you’re a new student, a recent graduate, changing careers or starting a business, SECO can help. Wounded Warriors and Caregivers Military OneSource provides consultations to eligible wounded, ill or injured service members, veterans and their families or caregivers, including service members and veterans with combat injuries or a military disability, and those injured in accidents or battling serious illnesses. Specialty consultants work with your service branch’s programs and the Department of Veterans Affairs to connect you with the resources you need. Military OneSource consultants will refer you to the right resources, and provide help navigating the entire process until you have a plan to address your issue. Military OneSource offers additional consultations and resources for caregivers of wounded warriors, including in-person military caregiver PEER forums, virtual PEER forums and online caregiver webinars. Confidential Non-medical Counseling Everyone needs support. That’s resiliency. If you need support with life’s everyday challenges, confidential non-medical counseling is available in-person, by phone, online chat or video. Let Military OneSource connect you to a licensed counselor knowledgeable of military life. Counselors address a wide range of issues including couples’ communication, stress, loss, coping and more. Counseling information and resources are available 24/7. Free, confidential and accessible to overseas and remote locations. Call Military OneSource for a free specialty consultation at 800-342-9647.
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VETERANS RIDING ORGANIZATIONS There are numerous motorcycle-oriented Veterans groups across Ohio. We’ve included a few here in effort to encourage those looking for Brothers and Sisters to ride with – to take the step and find a group. Comradery and time with folks that you can connect to as a Veteran is invaluable.
American Legion Riders
American Legion Riders chapters are well known for their charitable work, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children's hospitals, schools, veterans’ homes, severely wounded service members and scholarships. Since 2006, riders nationwide have participated in the Legion Legacy Run, to annually raise money for the Legacy Scholarship Fund, established to provide scholarships to children of U.S. military personnel killed since Sept. 11, 2001. There are chapters across Ohio. You can visit the group page on Facebook, American Legion Riders of Ohio – or visit your local American Legion for more information. You can also visit online at – www.Legion.org/Riders
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The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans’ organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans. Hundreds of local American Legion programs and activities strengthen the nation one community at a time. For more information, visit www.Legion.org
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VFW Riders We are a Riders Club comprised of VFW members. This includes Veterans, Auxiliary & SocialMembers. You must belong to a VFW to join the Riders Club. We enjoy riding with others with a common theme in mind. Our mission is to raise awareness for all VFW Posts, Post 6768 Northfield, Veterans, Active Duty Service Men & Women. We raise monies to donate to Veteran Organizations. We have escorted a Congressional Medal of Honor Winner. We escort funerals of Veterans. We attend functions to help educate people as to what belonging to a VFW is all about.
VFW Riders Post 3762 335 Veterans Way, Washington Court House OH 43160 On Facebook as VFW Riders Post 3762. Northfield VFW Riders VFW Post 6768 8584 Olde 8, Northfield OH 44067 VFW6768.com For more info go to www.facebook.com/ NORTFIELDVFWRIDERSGROUP/
Commemorate American Independence with with our our 9mm 9mm and and 45 45 Auto Auto carbines carbines in in aa Special Special Edition Edition hydro-dipped hydro-dipped Grand Grand Union Union Flag Flag pattern pattern in in recognition recognition of of our our country’s country’s declaration declaration of of freedom freedom almost 250 almost 250 years years ago ago 995 995 FLG FLG -- MSRP: MSRP: $422.00 $422.00 4595 FLG MSRP: 4595 FLG - MSRP: $453.00 $453.00
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VETERANS RIDING ORGANIZATIONS Rolling Thunder Incorporated in 1995, Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is a class 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization with over 90 chartered chapters throughout the United States and members abroad. While many members of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. are veterans and many ride motorcycles, neither qualification is a prerequisite. Rolling Thunder®, Inc. members are old and young, men and women, veterans and non-veterans. All are united in the cause to bring full accountability for Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) of all wars, reminding the government, the media and the public by our watchwords: “We Will Not Forget.” Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 1 Ohio Meetings are the 3rd Sunday of the Month @ 2pm VFW Post 6768 8584 Olde Route 8 Northfield, OH 44067 www.rollingthunder1ohio.org
“Our major function is to publicize the POW/MIA issue, to educate the public of the fact that many American prisoners of war were left behind after all past wars, to help correct the past and to protect the future veterans from being left behind should they become Prisoners of War/Missing in Action. We are committed to helping American veterans from all wars."
Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 Ohio Meetings are the 1st Sunday of the Month 1pm VFW Post 3383 690 West Waterloo Road Akron, OH 44314 www.rollingthunderchapter2ohio.com
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association We are an Association of Combat Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who ride motorcycles as a hobby. Our mission now is to support and defend those who have defended our country and our freedoms. Our membership is comprised of Full Members (those with verified combat service) and Supporter Members (those who have non-combat military service and have a sincere dedication to helping veterans). Many members continue to serve in our Armed Forces, with several serving in combat areas now. Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association has over 250 Chapters in all 50 states, along with 2 in Germany and 1 in South Korea. One of the great aspects of this organization is that each Chapter can decide which Veteran issue(s) they wish to focus on to best serve our nation’s heroes in their respective Veteran community. The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Ohio Chapter 12-1 is in the greater Columbus are, serving Central Ohio. Our mission is to help Veterans Care Facilities like the Fisher House, Save A Warrior, and Mission 22. The Fisher House is a home away from home for veterans, active duty, and their families providing a warm loving environment for them to stay in while their family member is in the hospital. Save A Warrior and Mission 22 set to help stop veterans suicide. Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Ohio Chapter 12-7 serving the greater Cleveland area, has made it our mission to support Veterans dealing with Combat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injuries and other Combat-related traumas. On Facebook, you can find us at CVMA Ohio Chapter 12-7 Veterans interested in learning more about Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association can visit: ww.combatvet.us 24 24
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Leathernecks Nation Motorcycle Club
Leathernecksnationmc.com
Our members consist of a very special breed of person. In most military services, you can be all that you can be, but the members of this club who joined the Marines, found themselves being more than they ever thought possible. Both Marines and FMF Corpsmen who wore the eagle, globe, and anchor, have a very special bond and loyalty to one another, which comes quite natural to us. When you combine this bond with the love of motorcycling through the beauty of the country in which we would die for – you’ve created a special breed of person – A Leathernecks Nation Motorcycle Club Member! We are looking for a few good men who served with the Marine Corps, as well as Navy Corpsmen who served with the FMF. Honorably discharged, active duty, or retirees only. Our colors are earned only through hard work, respect, dedication and loyalty to the club. All cruiser style bikes are welcome but American is preferred. We are not a 1% club.
Leathernecks Nation Glorious Bastards Chapter OH mcooper101@yahoo.com
Summit, Portage Counties OH
Leathernecks Nation Glorious Bastards Chapter OH www.facebook.com/leathernecksnation
Summit, Portage Counties OH
U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club The U.S. VETERANS MOTORCYCLE CLUB (USVMC) is a Veterans Motorcycle Club and is comprised of members from all branches of Service. It was born of the principals : 1) To show respect for all Veterans who served honorably, 2) To promote the true meaning of Brotherhood to all members, 3) Continue to support our Active Duty Military. This Dayton Ohio Motorcycle Club is dedicated to the remembrance of the sacrifices by those who gave the Ultimate and for those who still struggle today. We abide by a set of by-laws and truly live by a code of Brotherhood that we do not hold lightly. We do not lend lipservice but live in the Brotherhood. USVMC Patch is the sole property of the National Chapter and is not affiliated with any other Motorcycle Club. We are an MC and require commitment.
U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club - Ohio State Chapter www.USVMCOH.com Fairborn, OH U.S. Veterans MC Cincinnati Chapter usvmc.cincinnati@gmail.com Cincinnati, OH U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club - Lake County Chapter www.USVMCLakeCounty.com Northeast Ohio U.S. Veterans MC – Washington CH usvmc.wch@gmail.com Washington Court House, Ohio
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VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism (NEOPAT) follow us on Facebook!
Mid-Ohio Valley Veterans Outreach – MOVVO follow us on Facebook!
www.neopat.org (888) 636-7281
www.facebook.com/MOVVO (740) 568-9009
The Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism (NEOPAT) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization created to honor patriots who serve, or have served, in the armed forces by working to minimize the sacrifices endured by them and their families.
We are a group of volunteers that step up and assist our local Veterans where county, state, and federal program guidelines are unable to help. If there is a program guideline that prohibits helping a Veteran, we step in and help.
In addition to voluntarily spending extended periods of time away from home and risking injury or death to secure our freedom, NEOPAT has identified that service men and women often return to civilian life with needs that aren’t directly addressed by existing government programs. Immediate family members of those service men and women also join in the sacrifice by taking on added responsibilities such as overcoming financial hardships and dealing with lifechanging injury or loss of their relative. Established organizations who are dedicated to assisting these patriots and their families are overtaxed, undermanned and underfunded which puts limitations on their effectiveness. THUS, THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF NEOPAT IS WORKING WITH AND THROUGH EXISTING ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT DESERVING MILITARY PERSONNEL & FAMILIES WHO NEED ASSISTANCE.
A very wide variety of services are not covered by program guidelines. Instead of turning a Veteran away, offer them another option...MOVVO. 100% volunteers with almost zero overhead doing fundraisers to assist our Veterans
Serving Area Military, Veterans, and Widows SAM Center www.ServingAreaMilitary.com (330) 956-6162 We are a community of believers that strive to make the lives of veterans, service members and their widows better. It is our mission to be the conduit between the community's love and our veteran families. Based in Massillon, Ohio.
Military Veterans Resource Center follow us on Facebook! www.MilVetsRC.org (614) 230-0662 Military Veterans Resource Center is a statewide non-profit organization that provides employment and supportive services to veterans and families. When veterans come to MVRC for the first time, they are matched with a Veterans Services Specialist who will help them identify their barriers and gain access to resources that will help them overcome those barriers. These resources may include employment assistance, housing assistance, food, counseling, and transportation assistance, and may be accessed through Military Veterans Resource Center or our partnerships with veterans service organizations, private social service agencies or state/federal agencies
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Ride with Valor
RideWithValor.org (216) 280-5824 RideWithValor@gmail.com Ride with Valor is an Ohio based 501©(3) charity committed to helping U.S. Veterans as well as their widows. We create housing solutions so they may continue living independently and in their home. We also create and maintain housing for low to moderate income veterans. HEARTH & HOME Ride with Valor's purpose is to provide Veterans with newly renovated and/or modified homes that have been donated specifically for the Hearth & Home program. Qualified Veterans have the opportunity to obtain a mortgage and own one of these homes at approximately 50% of the final appraised value. For those Veterans who are not ready to own a home. We are able to provide you other housing solutions in conjunction with the VA's housing stipends and our rental partners. If the rental doesn't have furnishings, we have enough for for you to get started. Other housing solutions include the donations of household goods and appliances, education and training to rebuild credit and understanding homeownership. Our extensive network with other VSOs are always able to assist us to fulfill your needs. As for the future, RWV is looking to develop the ult imate solutions to the complex issue of Veterans in need of housing. We are exploring the possibility of building homes and multifamily units in locations Veterans will flourish. AGING IN PLACE The Aging in Place Program is for any Disabled Veterans who owns a home and it no longer meets their physical needs. RWV partners with local companies and local volunteers to restore dignity and ‘quality of life’ to the Veteran. Together, we create a safe, barrier-free living environment. Renovations are provided to Veterans throughout Northeast Ohio or in areas we have a partner organization. Our team works with the VA, local contractors and several Veterans' Service Organizations so there is no cost to the Veteran. For those in need of a ramp to access their home, our "Roll Call" program provides freedom to Veterans living with limited mobility, including Veterans who were recently discharged from a hospital, rehabilitation facility or nursing home. WINGS OF VALOR RWV assists Veterans in need of transportation to and from essential appointments. We ensure our Veterans are taken care. That means we will be there if they need a ride to the VA or another provider. Our staff is trained and equipped to handle most needs and our van is able to transport our Veterans who cannot walk, too.
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In 2020, the TRO Crew delivered Christmas gifts for the kids of a local vet in need. Arranged through Ride with Valor, we were pleased to be able to help ensure a Merry Christmas for this family. We greatly appreciate the TRO Friends and Family that contributed to this.
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A SOLDIER’S “Man’s ^ Best Friend” BY: Marybeth Sullivan, TRO Contributor
Wags 4 Warriors www.Wags4Warriors.com (330) 285-3941 Hi! I’m Tater Tot. I have a very important job. I am following in my big brother Badger’s footprints before me. We are service dogs and provide support for our hero Jenn! Service dogs, according to the US Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disabilities Rights Section, are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs
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whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Do you want to know what Wags 4 Warriors is? Mom says it’s a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization based in Broadview Heights, Ohio serving Veterans in Northeast Ohio and surrounding areas. Wags 4 Warriors was Co-Founded by Frank & Jen DeLorenzo in October of 2011 and has supported and trained over 700 dogs for veterans. They work with local rescue organizations to match a veteran with an appropriate dog and provide all the training and support the dog needs to become the veterans service dog at NO COST to the veteran. The service dogs can be trained for all the tasks that help the Veteran get through the day. Wags 4 Warriors has supported veterans in training their dogs for some mobility tasks, seizure alert, retrieval of items and so much more. Wags 4 Warriors is a veteran training veteran program and each veteran being trained also is assigned to a veteran coordinator to keep in touch with. Wags 4 Warriors is one big veteran family. Veterans that are Service Connected for PTSD, TBI, MST or other serviceconnected disabilities may be eligible for the program. It’s easy to apply for the program by going to www.Wags4Warriors.org and click on the enlist tab. There is a wait list for new veterans to be accepted into the program. Wags 4 Warriors runs on charitable donations only. Fundraising events are the main way to support our veterans and their dogs in the program. The program does many events in many forms and strive to educate the general public on the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) laws as well as what to do when you come across one of us service dogs while we are working.
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I asked my mom to tell all of you all about her and Badger. Here is what she said: “This is my experience as a veteran with Wags 4 Warriors. My name is Jenn, I am 29 and currently reside in beautiful Medina, Ohio. I joined the United States Army in 2012. I served as an Intelligence Analyst – but also served as part of the military honors team for 6 years. During this time, I helped bury close to 1,500 veterans. In 2018, . I was diagnosed with CPTSD (complex posttraumatic stress disorder), back and hip problems, dysautonomia and chronic migraines. I was classified as totally and permanently disabled through the Veterans Health Administration. I had to accept that I needed help living my daily life. It was a struggle for me every day. I then met a veteran named Bill with his service dog Kayla III at the VA. I proceeded to ask questions about the program where he received his dog and decided to take a step for myself by applying to the program. I found Wags 4 Warriors. The process to join Wags 4 Warriors was simple. I filled out the application, got a doctor note from my primary care provider saying that a service dog would benefit me, and then I waited to hear back. Within approximately 2 weeks I heard that I was accepted into the program. I initially had brought in my 5-year-old Husky (Badger) as I could not take on another dog at the time. We started Wags 4 Warriors first by doing an evaluation to see if my dog Badger would be eligible to be a good service dog. We had to make sure Badger was emotionally and physically sound and had working ability (trainable). Wags 4 Warriors also had to ensure that I could provide a stable and secure living environment for my dog. Once we were accepted into the program, Badger went through rigorous training where we completed well over 10 hours of basic beginners training (sit, down, stay, leave it, come, wait, etc.). We had to also participate in a canine good citizen evaluation and pass before we could move onto intermediate classes. We spent another 20 hours on intermediate training and tasks (circles, blocks, follow, ignore etc.). After basic training and intermediate training was completed, we began public access training. When in public access training we completed over another 4 hours before receiving our official IN TRAINING vest. After a total of about 30 more hours of public access training, we were ready to graduate. After over a years’ worth of training and hard work, unfortunately, Badger was injured while working and had to be medically retired. In January of 2019, I had then moved to a larger house and had more accommodation for another dog. I wanted to still have a Husky and found a very reputable breeder (even though most Wags 4 Warriors dogs are rescues) and acquired my second service dog in training, Tater Tot. We began training Tater Tot at 8 weeks old at home, by time he was 6 months old and neutered we were able to start classes. After going through beginner classes, canine good citizen, intermediate classes and public access again, Tater Tot had earned his in-training vest. By March of 2020 we were scheduled to graduate and then covid-19 hit. Wags 4 Warriors lost a lot of funding and fundraisers were canceled and the program was almost lost. But thank you to many amazing donations we were able to open the doors again to the veterans who are still active in the program. Since Tater Tot has been my service dog, he has been trained in retrieving small items, taking off socks, counterbalance work, blocking, dissociative alerts and heart rate alerts before I pass out. Tater Tot has saved my life on numerous occasions to date. Tater Tot has got to travel with me to Tennessee and to California. Badger is happily enjoying retired life and cuddles at home. In September of 2020, I began to follow a trainer so I could become a trainer as well. I have been helping as a trainer THUNDER THUNDER ROADS® ROADS® OHIO OHIO MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
to train intermediate level dogs with button pushing, wrapping, alerts, blocking and more. I have found a peace with helping other veterans train their dogs to be able to successfully graduate Wags 4 Warriors. I hope that Wags 4 Warriors can continue to help other veterans in the same way they have helped me.” Tater Tot here again, would you like to help us? There are lots of ways. Wags 4 Warriors runs on charitable donations only. Fundraising events are the main way to support our veterans and the dogs in the program. The program does many events in many forms and strive to educate the general public on the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) laws as well as what to do when you come across a service dog in public. To help raise money for the program we do have some T-shirts and other gear in limited sizes (hoping we can get more in soon) that we currently only sell at events, but they are a great way to show your support and spread the word about us. A monetary donation no matter how big or small makes a HUGE difference for both our veterans and our service dogs. We are happy to provide brochures and fact sheets to help in fundraising opportunities. When appropriate and if available, we send a veteran with their service dog to fundraisers for meet and greet. We are also always in need of donations in the form of collars, leashes, treats, toys, bones, cages and anything dog related to help our veterans. Other ways to help support us is word of mouth! Getting our name out into the public keeps helping us grow. Donations can be made securely through PayPal and securely through Square: http://mkt.com/wags-4-warriors/donation or sent to the following address: Wags 4 Warriors P.O. Box 41191 Brecksville, Ohio 44141
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VETERANS CHARITY RIDE TO STURGIS 2021 by Johnny Killmore | Courtesy Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys RussBrown.com
The crack of motorcycle engines coming to life breaks the silence and puts every veteran present on notice: it’s time to roll out. Helmets and gloves go on as everyone lines up in position. While it may be turning into a hot day in Moab, Utah, it’s nothing like the heat these men and women remember from their times in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is the Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis (VCR) though, and it isn’t supposed to be a miserable slog down the MSR (militaryspeak for Main Supply Route) in an up-armored truck. The wounded and amputee veterans who’ve mounted up for this trip are on a different kind of mission, one that’s familiar to all motorcyclists: wind therapy. Now in its seventh year, VCR started as a simple idea when Army veteran Dave Frey was heading to Sturgis himself. Meeting up with other veterans along the way, they hit upon the idea of how the current veterans of today’s wars could benefit from time spent “in the wind” and with other like-minded people on the road. After securing help from Indian Motorcycle and Champion Sidecars, the first VCR to Sturgis happened in 2015. While it has evolved over time, the program relies on basic concepts that any motorcyclist can understand, combat veteran or not: getting out on the open road aboard a motorcycle melts away stress. If you combine that with putting veterans together, a tight-but-quick forming bond creates a flowing dialogue at the many stops along the way.
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Veterans may talk about their service, their home life, conflicts with their family or with the Veterans Administration (VA) bureaucracy, or their love of the open road. You see, not everyone needs their group therapy to be done in a circle of chairs with a licensed therapist; plenty of people are actually more open about their lives when sharing miles and smiles out on the highway with their brothers and sisters. For the first several days, that bond forms at and around the Red Cliffs Lodge in Castle Valley, Utah. Owner Colin Pryor takes tremendous pride in being able to provide a space and meals for America’s veterans, and he can regularly be seen chatting with the vets or cooking up steaks with his trademark smile and a wide-brimmed hat. This gorgeous space along the Colorado River gives the vets time for rafting, horseback riding, off-roading, and to familiarize themselves with the heavyweight Indian touring bikes they’ll be riding to Sturgis. Some haven’t ridden in years, others need to familiarize themselves with handling a sidecar, and all of them need to get used to the many features a modern bagger has, from ride modes to Bluetooth stereos to touchscreen “Ride Command” infotainment systems. Eventually, though it’s time to make some miles. This is my fifth year piloting a sidecar for ride photographer Sara Liberte, meaning I know a little bit of what to expect. Even though, each year is a bit different. This year does manage to stick with one tradition: in the form of road construction.
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Now, Colorado’s favorite summertime activity is road construction, so it’s by no means a shock to sit at one-lane roads waiting to get through. However, this year had heavy rains on top of several years of devastating forest fires, and the resulting landslides were numerous because of it. The worst of them closed off Interstate 70, pushing regular traffic onto the back-roads that VCR uses to get to Sturgis. For a group of combat veterans though, road construction is hardly a delay worth worrying about, and riders used the stops as a chance to shoot the breeze with each other, take in the surrounding views, or grab a selfie. Another threat that turned into a benefit this year was the weather. The constant threat of thunderstorms somehow chose to constantly miss our group but still provide shade and an occasional sprinkle to cool things off further. The ride chose overnights in Steamboat Springs and Ft. Collins for the first two days of travel, with Ft. Collins pulling out the red carpet for an official arrival at the city’s veterans memorial park. As the ride moved north into Wyoming though, we turned away from familiar routes and ducked over into western Nebraska.
While being famous for flat land full of cornfields, the western edge of Nebraska features much the same rolling hills you’d expect further north. Riders still got a fair dose of “backroads America,” with small towns and big farms, but the rolling hills broke up the monotony as VCR rode into Fort Robinson, Nebraska for the night. This State Park belonged to the US Army for decades and was a large base during the 19th and early-20th centuries, featuring many original, restored, or reconstructed buildings from the era. It was full of unique history for a group of military veterans, who could see how Buffalo Soldiers served their country more than a century ago, as well as visit the site where Crazy Horse was imprisoned and eventually killed in a tragic (some say deliberately) misunderstanding. From Fort Robinson, is an easy ride into Sturgis proper, where the VCR made an official entrance down Main Street and stopped off at Indian Motorcycle of Sturgis to properly kick off the famous rally. A flag-lined entry gave the riders a place to dismount and mingle with the local crowd that came to welcome them.
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VETERANS CHARITY RIDE TO STURGIS 2021 (Continued from P.31) The rally itself is really a backdrop to the ride though. Everyone has a particular concert they want to go to, a bar to stop by or a famous place to visit, but for the most part-time is spent at VCR’s home-away-from-home outside of Deadwood. The area is quiet and secluded, with the endless sound of Harley’s riding, acting as background music, while a campfire crackles and veterans share stories. Group rides happen every day of course, and since everyone is already used to early morning wake-ups the roads can be enjoyed without the midday traffic the rally brings. I’ve ridden to Mt. Rushmore, done Needles Highway, or ridden Spearfish Canyon every year, but every year I look forward to the views and the curves. For me personally, Sturgis is about the Black Hills and riding with good people. I also look forward to the IMRG ride. That’s the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group, the brand’s official owners club. VCR led the ride this year, which started off with less than 100 bike their first year and now involves way over 1,000 machines in an endless stream. I’d guess 2,000 bikes but this year I had to ride ahead so we could get drone footage of their arrival at the Pasta Corral; there was no other way to capture the scope of it all. The one downside to being at Sturgis is I always know it’s the beginning of the end. The saying, “it’s not about the destination, it’s about the ride,” is very true for VCR, and once we arrive in the Black Hills it’s only a matter of days before people start heading to the airport.
The goodbyes aren’t forever though. One of the things that make VCR so unique is how small it’s kept. The bonds are tighter. People remember each other. Some you may be on the phone with, some you may only see on social media, while some may be the veteran mentors on next year’s ride. Several are my close friends…friends I’ll have for life. For me, there were still two days of riding as we ferried the bikes back to Utah. While most are returned to Indian, the bikes with sidecars stay with VCR and can’t all fit in the trailer. The ride back gives me even more time to reflect. I can laugh about the sour look on everyone’s faces after I ran us through a huge mud puddle while off-roading, soaking everyone. I remember dodging thunderstorms all day across Wyoming. And I’ll forever have etched in my memory, the faces of each rider as we passed them one by one to get photos. They were in that zone, out on the road and in the wind. Some were straight-faced with the mandatory biker scowl, others were smiling from ear to ear. Some of the sidecar pairs would be singing along with some barely audible songs as we passed by. We shared the miles, the meals, the heat, and the rain, and we’ll share the memories. Each person gets out what they put in I reckon. The ride is no magic bullet, but it doesn’t aim to be. This year, being my fifth time supporting it, I think my big takeaway was that “okay” is okay, but I have to give myself permission to seek out “better.” It’s not greedy or selfish to want that, and it’s not arrogant to think you deserve it.
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If you’d like to help the Veterans Charity Ride support other veterans on the path to find their own personal version of “better,” head to their website and take a look at several different resources. If you know a wounded or disabled veteran who might benefit from motorcycle therapy with their fellow veterans, you can nominate them for next year’s ride. You can also donate directly, as VCR is a 501(c)3 charity and your donations are taxdeductible. The MotoDono program is another great way if you have a motorcycle you’d like to donate. The bikes are modified as needed before being donated to a veteran to get them back on the road and “in the wind” to experience the benefits of motorcycle therapy again. And if you know a veteran in immediate need of help, the VA has a 27/7-365 Crisis Hotline. It doesn’t hurt to add it to your cell phone’s contacts now before you run into someone in need of help. They need only call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 to be connected to someone, whether they are enrolled in the VA system or not. Out on the road, you meet great people, which means there’s a good chance you’re the great person someone in need will need to meet while you’re out on the road.
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