Your Ride Across the U.S.A. for K9’s For Warriors

Motorcycles were kind of your thing. And so was taking trips; gone for days or weeks at a time.

I remember you talking about what you were planning to do. It sounded kind of extreme to me. “You’re going to do what?”, I exclaimed. It was nothing short of amazing.

But it wasn’t just the “what” which made it so beautiful, it was the cause. The “who” it was for.

I never once heard you say that you were doing it for K9’s for Warriors, not until after the trip. Which was totally just like you. Never seeking glory or credit for your good deeds — just doing them, for the benefit of others.

I remember asking you if you would wear a helmet, to which your answer was clear by the smirk on your face. You were most definitely not wearing a helmet, which bothered me.

I saw the article in the Sentinel Tribune through a family text thread. I remember feeling so proud of you. I saw a collection of photos of you meeting with people at various VFWs and local American Legions along your route. Your solo benefit ride raised donations for this organization - it was awe inspiring. This was the kind of man you were.

As i’m sitting in an airport reflecting on this story, earbuds in to drain out the white noise of the rustling people around me., grief hits in such strange ways. This is the way it goes. The world goes on spinning, people keep moving, life goes on, even though you are not here.