I'm Curtis, born
and raised in the suburbs/rural area surrounding Chicagoland. I enlisted
in the USAF out of high school and proudly served four years active
duty as an F-16 flightline engine mechanic. I was proud to serve a
deployment in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I
got out of the Air Force and decided to continue my education and earned
an Associates of Science near home. Upon completion I worked five years
in the steel mill and have most recently held the position of tour
guide/driver in southern Florida.
I've
owned motorcycles since high school and had always just taken day
rides. As the years went on, I wanted more adventure and decided to
fully commit to trips/long distance travel when I purchased my first
brand new motorcycle, a 2020 Road glide special. I took my first big
trip in 2023, quit my job and spent three months camping/riding across
30 states. Most recently 2025 was my first year to ride all 48
contiguous. I love the challenges of life on the road and the
incredible adventures/people I've met all over the country. To me the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is the ultimate adventure/motorcycle challenge there is. It's
the most grueling and technical of them all and I'm honored to have the
opportunity to participate/make a difference at the same time.
My
non profit is K-9s for Warriors, a multi purpose group determined to end
Veteran suicide. They provide highly trained service dogs (majority of
them rescues) to veterans suffering with PTSD, traumatic brain injury
and/or military sexual trauma to veterans across the country. Their
mission involves getting veterans back to a civilian life with dignity
and independence. Since 2011 they have rescued more than 2,500 dogs
across thirty one states across the country.
As a veteran who has
struggled with mental health in the past, I chose this group in the
broad range of impact they have. In addition to rescuing dogs, they are
giving meaning/purpose to their life in a way that daily contributes to
the promotion of positive mental health in our nation's freedom
fighters.
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