I am a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran with two and a half years served overseas. If there is one thing you can
accomplish in the military, it is you get to travel the world. I had the opportunity to visit 7 different countries and 3 of those countries 2 different locations. The experience of living abroad at a young age forces you to mature rather quickly. Upon completion of my enlistment, I began a career in Law Enforcement. I am happy to say that I am at the end of my career with the same department after 29 plus faithful years of service. As our Marine Veterans say, we are “Dedicated Twice by Choice.” I am married to my beloved wife; Cherene, who has been a devoted woman for 26 years and have one son. Over the last couple of decades, I am sure I have put her through hell and back and I am grateful that she is still by my side. I enjoy sailboat racing. I have been engaged in distance racing for over 12 years now. Coming from the Midwest, the Chicago to Mackinac Race is the premier event for me. Spending a minimum of 3-4 days/nights of nonstop racing in the middle of Lake Michigan, in all types of weather conditions to reach the 333-mile destination challenges you mentally and physically. On good nights, the sights of the night skies, with no other boats around offers a lot of time for self-reflection and contemplation. Sounds a bit familiar.
I began riding a motorcycle in 2015. I heard about the Riders Edge course that HD was offering for Veterans. I had always wanted to ride but certain fears prevented me from doing so. I figured, I would take the class and if it did not work out, I would not lose too much. Needless to say, a week after the course I bought my friends 1200 Sportster in October of 2015 (fat guy in a little coat right, but you got to start somewhere). May of 2016, I added my 2010 Ultra Classic Limited to the family. Riding is now a passion. I have traveled to many states including Rolling Thunder, the Lake Michigan Loop, and Sturgis via Colorado to name a few.
I first heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge when Winks Rider #887 hosted a gathering prior to the 2020
Challenge. After digesting the information, studying the web site, and following the 2020 Challenge, I
realized that this is challenge is something I needed to participate in. Life is a challenge itself. Time after
time friends and relatives say there’s no way you can do that, or you are crazy for even thinking about it. One thing that is for sure though, if you tell a Marine he or she can’t do something that Marine will work even harder to prove them wrong and get the job done. Slated as Rider #1036 in 2022, I played tag with a deer that left me with 5 broken ribs, a broken thumb, some nice road rash and a concussion prior to the event, along with a totaled ride. My participation in the last event was sidelined. I do want to give a shout out to Winks #887 for his mentorship for the last three years in prepping for this challenge, along with a few other riders who I have had contact with. The Hoka Hey Challenge will again test my mental ability, stamina and endurance as well as allow me to continue to meet the great people from across the country and globe who share the same passion for riding and helping others.
Why do I want to participate in the Hoka Hey Challenge? The endurance aspect. This challenge will allow me the opportunity to push myself to beyond what I have ever imagined. Adapting to the ever changing weather conditions, covering great distances over time, and learning to trust in yourself to not second guess yourself. This challenge will allow me to disconnect from all of the technological foundations that over the years I have become accustomed to rely on and to rely only on your mind and sound judgement.
For another component of the event, Since 1995 I have been extremely active in fundraising for nonprofit
organizations. These include the Special Olympics, Wounded Warrior Project, Gary Senise Foundation,
USMCR Toys for Tots Foundation, Wreathes Across America, Project Headspace and Timing, Save and Vet K-9 to name only a few. The Hoka Hey Challenge will provide a great opportunity to draw attention and raise needed funding for one program that I am currently involved in. For whom do I ride? There are many groups that are well deserving of this attention that I support throughout the years. Primarily, I ride for the Veterans of our Armed Services who cannot ride. I ride for my Marine and Navy Brothers of the Marine Vets MC and I ride for the Darkhorse Lodge. The Darkhorse Lodge is a retreat located in Springville, TN. This retreat offers Combat Veterans from any branch of service an opportunity to relax and participate in recreational activities with other Veterans at no cost to themselves.
I want to thank the Hoka Hey Challenge Board of Directors for allowing me the opportunity to participate in the 2024 event. I look forward to meeting everyone in the very near future. Semper Fidelis!
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