4 years ago
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Three motorcyclists on I-40 are on a mission to salute America's heroes. The trip came about because of a chance meeting with a veteran named J.R. Martinez... ?who received some really horrific burns in Iraq. He was driving a humvee that ran over a land mine,? says Tom Donegan.
Martinez has had 30-plus operations to correct the damage. His humvee burned for 15 minutes with him in it.
So these three men hit the road to show their appreciation for those who've served this great country.
?We did a little planning and actually we decided that we're going to look for a charity to give our money to. J.R. is now a spokesperson for this charity and that is Coalition to Salute America's Heroes," says Donegan.
The trio left northern Virginia on their quest May 15th. They will ride through Tennessee, Arkansas and into Texas, ending in San Antonio May 19th. They will have ridden 1,476 miles one way.
Bob Loy, a Vietnam veteran, says the trip has been an adventure. ?The people have been great. The traffic has been really bad with these trucks since we got into Arkansas coming down I-40. We've seen more trucks on the road than cars.?
Donegan says many of our wounded veterans are changed mentally forever. He says this ride is a way to honor their dedication and commitment.
The word of the ride has spread around the world. Donegan says he's gotten e-mails from Iraq, Denmark and Korea.
For more information or to donate to the "Ride for America's Patriots," click the link to the right.
