Meet The New Rider # 1354 Steve Viola

 

#1. Tell us a little about You. What do you do for fun when you are not riding?

I’m originally from San Antonio Texas.  I was a Chef Apprentice and was  pre-med  for college, with a calling for something more out of life.  I joined the Navy in 1986 for

“the college program” and later become a Navy SEAL, I attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training and graduated in Class 167 and spent a twenty-eight-year career as a SEAL Team member, retiring as a Command  Master Chief. Currently, I still support the veteran and first responder’s community as a private contractor/owner of a small business helping in treatment alternatives. I’m also the owner/operator of a small business called Max Perdiem INC ( a consulting company). In my off  time I like to travel, Motor-home and motorcycle rides, reading, naturalist in training (wildlife management and preservation), shooting, cooking and hang out with my Fiance and our dogs.

#2. Why do you want to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge?

I  heard  about the HHMC through a friend (Ed )and the whole program and community really spoke to me. I have been riding for some time and enjoy wind-therapy.  I am on a self-improvement journey and I feel that this community ( riders)  will help to challenge me and help me to focus on enjoying the country I spent my entire adult life protecting and serving. If selected I hope to do as many Hoka Heys as heaven will allow- I feel the folks that have done the journey can help me and then we can help others. I read every bit of information about the HHMC and I realized that I needed to do it. Lastly something I read a while back I think fits here pretty good- “Running up a hill is a bitch until you adapt to the hill. Then it’s not. The Hill is the same but you are different and as a result, so is your experience. Easy or hard is about you, not the hill. Don’t wait  for your hill to change.” Craig Harper.

 

The HHMC will be challenging but I am looking forward to the life changing experiences and being a part of group of like-minded folks.

The whole idea of just going on a journey, old school where you have to pay attention to the weather and road conditions while enjoying yourself and “unplug” from all the technology. In short; self-reliance and accountability. Also, raising awareness for different causes is something  I can really get behind. Perhaps more importantly this really spoke to me;

 

“No matter what you are physically….Male or female, strong or weak, sick or healthy...

All those things matter less than what’s inside of you. If you have the soul of a warrior, you are a warrior. What matters most is that you are filled with a deep & powerful presence of life.”

~ James Red Cloud

                                    MORE OF THIS PLEASE!!

 

 

 

 

#3. What non-profit are you supporting and why did you choose them?
 

 Texans for Greater Mental Health(T4GMH) – They change minds to change lives, advocating for veterans, empowering individuals, and providing critical support to those struggling with mental health challenges. T4GMH is at the forefront of a national movement, driving policy change that has led to more than $100 million in funding for psychedelic research. Their work is transforming the future of mental health care by raising awareness and advancing practical legislation that educates both lawmakers and the public on the powerful role of psychedelic research in healing.

 

Why did you choose them?

In my humble opinion- T4GMH aligns perfectly with the values of HHMC. I’ve seen firsthand how people can either struggle well or struggle poorly. Too many individuals, whether dealing with PTSD, addiction, or other mental health challenges, are left desperate for solutions. T4GMH is leading the way in advocating for alternative treatment therapies that can truly make a difference. They are a beacon of hope for those in need, providing a path forward with innovative solutions.

 

What will the money be used for?

The donation will directly support T4GMH’s groundbreaking efforts in psychedelic policy advocacy to expand access to innovative mental health treatments for all Texans. Every dollar you contribute fuels progress—none of it goes toward payroll or administrative costs. T4GMH provides public engagement and education programs, connecting everyday Texans to the potential of psychedelic medicine. They run innovative advocacy programs working with other nonprofits, veteran groups, and lawmakers to advance historic legislation. T4GMH has established itself as the national model for a state-focused education, engagement, and advocacy organization.