Local motorcycle riders assemble to support severely wounded veterans
On Saturday January 20th, many motorcycles will leave from Seminole Harley-Davidson in Sanford, FL on a 25 mile ride through Sanford, Longwood, and Orlando cities and towns to raise money for two severely wounded veterans. The ride will end with a ceremony and party at Ace Café Orlando, 100 W Livingston St, Orlando FL. The event has already gained the support of big local names like Seminole Harley-Davidson, Ace Cafe Orlando, Orlando Utilities Commission, and EagleRider Orlando, as well as the support of people like Mayor Jeff Triplett (City of Sanford) Orlando District 2 Commissioner Tony Ortiz; both of whom will actually be riding in the event as well as provide remarks during the ending ceremony.
Kickstands up at 12:30 p.m. at Seminole Harley-Davidson, 620 Hickman Cir, Sanford, FL
Arriving at Ace Café Orlando, 100 W Livingston St, Orlando FL at approximately 1:30 p.m.
$20/rider $10/passenger
Riders and non-riders welcome to the ceremony and celebration at Ace Café Orlando.
$20 entrance fee for non-riders.
The honorees of this year’s run are U.S. Marine Sgt. Steve Tovet and U.S. Navy Corpsman HM1 Kelly Smith.
HM1 Kelly Smith: In 2007 while on patrol in northern Iraq, Kelly sustained injuries from friendly grenades which exploded in a building they were searching. Heavy structural damage from the blasts required her and
her team to dig themselves out of the partially collapsed building before getting themselves to a medical evacuation landing zone; shortly thereafter also having to evade enemy fire. Kelly continued to serve her country honorably for another 6 years, while also undergoing over 100 reconstruction efforts on her left arm and countless hours of rehabilitation in an attempt to regain the function of her arm. Unfortunately, her arm ultimately had to be amputated. The 2018 Central FL Wounded Vet Run will be working with our sponsors and donors towards aiding Kelly and her family in repairing/replacing existing roof damage and a failing A/C system in her home.
Sgt. Steve Tovet (Tillman): Putting the life of his fellow Marine before his own personal safety, he ran to the aid of one casualty, applied a tourniquet on the marine’s leg, and transported him to the medical evacuation landing zone. While searching for the Marine’s missing rifle, Sgt. Tovet initiated an improvised explosive device, severely wounding him. During the long recovery and rehabilitation process, and shortly after celebrating their sixth wedding anniversary, Stephen lost his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Krystina (who was also pregnant) in November of 2016 as a result of complications stemming from a broken leg. Steve shares a passion for motorcycling. Therefore, the 2018 Central FL Wounded Vet Run will be working with our sponsors and donors towards outfitting him with a machine which best suits he’s needs.
In April of 2011, 300 motorcycle riders gathered in East Boston MA for “Vinnie’s Run”, a charity motorcycle ride to raise funds for housing modifications for one of the nation’s most severely wounded veterans. Over the past six years, New England’s Wounded Veterans, Inc. has gone on to raise over $1,000,000 for 17 severely wounded veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Wounded Vet Run has grown into a national movement spanning over 13 states and been recognized by the President of the United States for our pioneering work. Since its inception 7 years ago, the original Boston Wounded Vet Run has grown from 300 bikes to over 5,000 participants (riders and non-riders) as well as thousands of spectators lining the route. We hope that this will be the first of many successful runs to benefit the numerous deserving veterans in the Central Florida area.
About COMBAT VETERANS MOTORCYCLE ASSN FL CHAPTER 20-4 INC (CVMA FL 20-4):
The CVMA is an organization of combat veterans seeking to assist disabled and needy war veterans and members of the United States Armed Forces and their dependents - and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans, provide entertainment, care; provide assistance to hospitalized veterans or members of the United States Armed Forces; conduct programs for charitable purposes; promote the social welfare of the community; sponsor or participate in activities of a patriotic nature; and to provide social and recreational activities it members.
