Dozens of veterans are riding motorcycles from west to east along Highway 20 in northern Iowa today to voice their concern for their military brethren struggling with their mental health.
Military veteran and cyclist Matt DeSario said 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the country and he organizes these cycling events to raise awareness.
“The trip starts in Casper, Wyoming,” DeSario said, “with a group of veterans from Kansas, and then we’re spending a day in Casper, Wyoming, and then we’re heading to Milwaukee, and the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee is kind of the finish line for the caravan.”
DeSario said the goal of the event is to show Americans appreciation for other Americans and to encourage others across the country to join in. He noted that the nearly 900-mile route was carefully chosen and that the number of bikers is growing as they go.
“We welcome anyone, whether they’re bikers who want to get involved, regular people who want to ride with us, whether they’re on a motorcycle or not,” “or even if they just want to set up shop along Highway 20, which is, of course, the Medal of Honor Highway.”
Today’s journey across Iowa is 333 miles. They expect to arrive in Milwaukee tomorrow. Read more about the journey and motivation here.
(Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City)
