Motorcycle Rider News, Reviews & Events

The "Ride for the Homeless Vets" is one of the most respectful solutes one can ride on. Allot of these veterans have been forgotten about or some will turn their heads to the facts that these men have fought for "OUR" Country and FREEDOM and "Need Our Help! "
I was proud to attend and support this great cause.

There are persistent stereotypes about Vietnam veterans as psychologically devastated, bitter, homeless, drug-addicted people who had a hard time readjusting to society, primarily due to the uniquely divisive nature of the Vietnam War in the context of U.S. History.
The Urban Institute, in conjunction with the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC), in 1996 projected that each year, 2.3 million to 3.5 million people experience homelessness in America. The survey found that 23 percent of all homeless persons - and 33 percent of all homeless men - are veterans. That would indicate there are between 529,000 and 840,000 veterans who are homeless at some time during the year.
 

In the 2003 CHALENG Report, the VA estimated there were 313,087 homeless veterans on any given night in America. The 2005 report placed the number at 194,000, with nearly 400,000 veterans likely to experience homelessness at some time during the year. The stats have steadily climbed since these numbers were recorded.
In addition to the complex problems associated with all homelessness - extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income, and access to health care - a large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse, compounded by a lack of family and social support networks.
 

Shepard's Heart Ministries - Rev Mike devotes his time for the homeless vets. A man of God who has one of the greatest passions for mankind. He is a very kind man as I spoke to him and I admire his strengths and his outreach to open arms for our Veterans. He is the drive behind the scenes of this respectable honorable event. Shepard's Heart has been in Business for 13 yrs, the past year they have a new program that houses the Homeless Veterans with 11 bedrooms and 12 beds.
Tracy & Tom Gates and the VFW 5758 Tarentum, Pa had organized this event.

"BIG"Rick Hoffman had contributed to all the promotion by Logic Motors & Gieco MotorCycle Insurance, Chris Callen owner of Cycle Source Magazine donated all the Trophies all the advertising was done in Cycle Source Magazine. Chris Callen promoted, sponsored & judged the bike show. Ed Kress the Attorney for Shepard's Ministries Donated $$$$ towards the Radio Commercials, & last but not least WDVE FM Radio had a live online interview with Shawn McDowell . Shawn McDowell had also donated his voice for the radio commercials.

Today was the 3rd Annual Poker Run for the "HOMELESS VETERANS" held at the VFW 5758 & Gatto's streets today at 10:00 am - 11 am for registration June 22, 2008. The Ride was through the scenic upper Alleghenies stopping at Ford City VFW, New Bethlehem VFW, Brady's Bend American Legion, Runts Roadhouse and returning to Choppers Bar & Grill.

A schedule of events was held outside Choppers Bar & Grill in Tarentum, Pa. from 9 am till 6:30 pm. The streets in town were closed off and lined with Motorcycles. 270 Registered Riders filled up the streets for Live Entertainment by "KNUCKLEHEAD" and the Shot Gun start of events had begun.

Awards were givin away, Cash Prizes, Door Prizes & A Commanders Choice Bike Trophy.
Renee Rosensteel made a wonderful video worth taking the time to view and understand why Tom Gates has gone the extra mile to make a difference!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmYAcPSK5-I # 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XV-LgWMC6A # 2
All the proceeds of the money raised goes exclusively to the "Homeless Vet's" . Rev Mike handles it from that point forward.
Shepard's Heart Ministries
13 Pride Street
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219
Website : www.rideforthehomelessvets.com

Where the Road Never Ends....Luuezz

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