Group of motorcyclists raises more than $5,000 for veterans

American Legion Riders Chapter 341’s fifth annual “Battle Ride” for charity raised more than $5,000 for veterans this past weekend. 

On Saturday, June 20th, more than 118 motorcycles and over 150 riders gathered in the parking lot outside of Post 341 in Cicero, Ind before riding 115 miles to support The American Legion Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW) program, which provides wounded and healing veterans with comfort items to help ease their recovery. 

“The majority of them showed up to because they believe in our cause,” said Jody Brown, Post 341’s commander and Riders director. 

“This is something Dave (Baughman) and I have been very passionate about, our whole (Riders) group has been – passionate about trying to reach wounded veterans who are experiencing post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury and see if we couldn’t do something to help.”

100 percent of the $5,010 in donations will go directly toward providing comfort items, rehabilitation equipment and more for U.S. veterans recovering in military hospitals and transition units.

“Our most successful year,” said Baughman, a Chapter 341 Rider and assistant adjutant for the Department of Indiana. “You give a motorcyclists a reason to ride his (or her) motorcycle and for a great cause … this shows what can happen. This is the easiest way to get our name out there and be out there in front of people, too.”

“They are very supportive of veterans and veterans causes. It’s been such a privilege and an honor for me to have been involved with the Legion for as many years (14) as I have, and to do whatever I can on my part to support our veterans and our Legion Riders. They are amazing in what they accomplish.