Thunder Press Magazine ~ bikers, mustangs and veterans

I had a busy summer working on some motorcycle projects. It took me a bit by surprise, actually. Sometimes God works in unique ways, though, and for some reason I fell into this bike world. I admit, I was a little unsteady at first, but, over time, I found my footing. And, I kind of like it. These Harley-Davidson people are a good bunch.

Over the last several years I have been given some remarkable opportunities. I think God knew that, had He presented them to me ten years ago, I might not have risen to the challenge. But I have grown, and, as I have grown, I have learned far more important lessons than I ever would have imagined:

1.     Sometimes you need to step outside the box – sometimes far beyond the edges – in order to achieve the things you never knew you wanted.

2.     Motorcycles are fun to photograph – you won’t find me riding one, but I’ll stop and take its picture if the fancy strikes.

3.     Motorcycle riders are not as scary as I once had thought;) They are sometimes rough around the edges and leather-clad, but under the beards and metal, there is a tremendous heart, sincere kindness and steadfast loyalty. I really appreciate that.

4.     Some of the nicest people I know are motorcycle riders.

5.     I’m passionate about those who serve our country; almost all of the bikers I know also are passionate about veterans – or are veterans themselves. I am proud to be able to call them friends.

As a writer and photographer, I am honored to take pictures and cover stories that are inspirational. So, when a couple of my “passions” intertwined, I jumped at the chance to cover it for a national motorcycle magazine.

My article – Steel Ponies Meet Real Ponies – can be found in the November issue of Thunder Press Magazine – page 8, if you are curious;)

Thunder Press ~ November Issue; page 8

Two hundred and fifty bikers rode to support the veterans at BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center and to help fund the riding programs available to veterans free of charge. It was a fun day with a lot of leather, a lot of chrome, a lot of bandanas and a lot of passion for our country.

Thanking the veterans in attendance, Local 786 Teamster and ride organizer Eddie Rizzo said, “Vets, we are all out here for you. While we are playing and raising our kids, [you are fighting for us.]”

I had to let that sink in for a little bit. Several years ago, I met a man who changed the way I truly saw veterans. He opened my eyes to the sacrifices. And, with a unexpected invitation, he opened the door for me to meet so many others who continued to show me that the most potent wounds of war are those that are invisible. I’ve never been so viscerally impacted by a chance encounter than I was on that night. I will never forget the faces of the men who shared their stories with me. And I never will have the words to thank them ~ though I never will stop trying.

These men and women volunteer to do the hard things, so that I can do the things I love. They have put their lives in the line of danger – for me – and they are forever changed because of it.

That freedom is the agent that binds the veteran, the horse and the biker.

U.S. Army veteran Mitchell Reno said, “Motorcycles and mustangs are the symbol of American freedom, really.”

Freedom is not free.

I’ve written quite a bit about mustangs and the deep connection veterans feel when they work with them. You can read my most recent article with Wild Heart Mustang Magazine here. Motorcycles provide a similar adrenaline rush.

Twenty, ten, maybe not even five years ago would I have thought to look for myself here, but I am so proud to have found myself in a place where I can write about the men and women who serve and the men and women who support those who serve.

I encourage you to thank a veteran today – every day – any time you have the opportunity. Thank someone who supports our veterans. If it feels uncomfortable, look at lesson number one ~ step outside your box. You never know what is waiting for you just outside the perimeter.

(captions are as they appear in Thunder Press Magazine, November Issue, page 9)

Nearly 250 motorcycles filled the rustic Maxon Road on the way to BraveHearts Therapeutic and Educational Riding Center

Isabella Rizzo, 9, hold onto BraveHearts horse, Hank, while DC1 (SW) Mary Apper United States Navy finds respite from the crowd.

U.S. Army veteran Mitchell Reno thanks the riders who, though the Mustang Run, helped raise funds so that he and other veterans can get the assistance they need to overcome the visible and invisible wounds of war.