12,000 miles to say thank you

One man can make a difference  

 

14 June 2015 - San Diego

"90% of the nation never served in the military and 100% should be thankful" for the freedoms and way of life that our active duty and veterans have ensured we enjoy.  We should all do something tangible to show our appreciation.  Well said, Howard Phillips. One guy on a bike traveling 12,000 to say thank you.

Howard Phillips (on the left) shakes the hand of "New York Myke" Shelby of San Diego Harley Davidson at the Moreno Boulevard location on 14 June, prior to Howard leading a group of riders on this leg of his mission to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.  San Diego Harley Davidson hosted Phillips this morning and served as the rally point for the riders who turned out in support.

When Shelby was asked why San Diego Harley was hosting this event, he highlighted the relationship between Harley Davidson and the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).  As a Vietnam veteran, he also said it is important to embrace our young veterans, particularly those who have been injured.  Citing the oft reported figured of 22 veteran suicides happening every day, Shelby emphasized that there are invisible wounds, as well as the visible wounds the current generation are bringing home.  After meeting with some of the WWP alumni, defined as those who went to war and came back, Shelby found supporting Phillips to be a good way to provide some visibility on the support WWP provides.

For his part, Phillips is not a veteran.  In fact, he self-describes as "just a regular guy," one of the 90% who never served in uniform.  A regular guy who spoke of love of his family, pride in his country, and recognition that his good life is due to the sacrifices of our military.  Seeking to develop a sense of pride and appreciation for this in his fellow citizens, he hopes to have 1,000 people each donate $1 for each year of their age to support WWP.  He is giving up two months of his life to ride the four corners of the nation, visiting 50 cities and leading 10 participation rides in support of his goal.

One man, a regular guy, a patriot, riding a motorcycle around the country to help others recognize and appreciate our military, by doing something tangible to express their appreciation, and at the same time raise some funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.

As he led the riders out of the San Diego Harley Davidson parking lot this Sunday, Phillips is doing something, not merely talking about it.  One man CAN make a difference.