Guest Author - Nancy Brotherton
Robert Harris, a Vietnam Veteran, had a great idea; an idea that he could take his 1985 Harley Davidson FXST Softail,paint it up some and use it as a symbol to encourage people to help Veterans and Veterans causes. Harris had his great idea in the year 2005 and his Harley had seen better days, just like some of America’s veterans. He decided to get new tanks and have them airbrushed with a Vietnam theme. At this point the idea of a tribute bike never entered his mind. Harris entered the bike in a bike show at a dealership and won first place in the “People’s Choice” award. Some veterans attending the show offered to donate some items to dress up the bike. Thus the seed was planted that the bike could be a tribute to Veterans everywhere. That was the beginning and it has grown, as more and more veterans have come forward to donate items to add to the bike’s theme. Award after award has been won, and it has never lost a People’s Choice award.
After three short years, Harris has been able to convert his idea into a non-profit organization as of September, 2008 that is dedicated to the cause of helping homeless and disabled Veterans of all wars and Veterans causes. I had the occasion to personally meet Mr. Harris at the Harley Davidson 105th anniversary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2008. He was a salt of the earth type of guy that immediately made you feel at ease. He told me all about the bike’s history and showed me where he lives when he does shows; in a travel trailer in the parking lot of the show. He related a story about being at Rolling Thunder 2008 in Washington, D.C. and hanging out in Thunder Alley when he heard some officers asking who owned the bike with all the weapons. The officers were very interested in finding the owner. Up until 2008, he has had some donors helping out, but for the most part, any expenses have been shouldered by him. He spent a good amoutn of time with me but had to meet and greet with the increasing crowd that had gathered around his bike.
The bike is named the Veteran Tribute Bike and Harris has a website that provides all the details. Harris and some sponsors are developing the biggest ever motorcycle and convoy in history ride across the U.S.A., named Operate Dust Off, to raise money to help our disabled and homeless Veterans. The Veterans Tribute Bike will be displayed across the country from April, 2009 to May, 2009. The ride will begin in Hollywood, California on Sunday, May 17th and end up in Washington, D.C. on May 22nd, 2009 for Rolling Thunder. This is a chance to become part of American history and all Veterans and riders are encouraged to participate.
If you are interested in riding in this history making event or just learning more about the organization and how to help, I have included a link below.
Next week
Nancy
