Wheels 4 Warriors gives out it’s 11th motorcycle to veteran

A local organization in Lincoln gave out their now 11th motorcycle to a deserving veteran on Veteran’s Day.

One of the winners from two years ago could not miss out on the event put on by an organization that changed his life.

“It’s very therapeutic, when I go out on my bike it just helps me to clear my mind and just forget about things for awhile and de-stress,” Kearney resident, Eric Bayley said.

Wheels 4 Warriors partners with veteran organizations while providing deserving, honorably–discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces their very own motorcycle.

The founder of the organization says it’s much more than the shiny bike.

“It’s about the comradery and the brotherhood and the friendships that are formed by being part of a group,” Wheels 4 Warriors President and CEO, Craig Toupin said.

This year’s custom built motorcycle has the number 22 decal. It represents how many veterans pass away from suicide each day in the United States.

“It’s amazing, it’s great that they are able to do this and raise a whole lot of money so they can continue helping other veterans such as myself,” Bayley said.

The group that the organization partners with provides the individual, who won the bike, with a mentor for at least a year.

“I have had situations where if it wasn’t for a mentor reaching out and making a phone call and visiting, the individual wouldn’t be here today and you know that’s a win,” Toupin said.

Through donations and partnerships, the organization supplies everything from gear to license and registration, and even riding lessons.

Wheels 4 Warriors say they will continue their mission to reduce the number of veteran suicides, hoping to change the number 22 to 0.

“We’ve gotten through wars and stuff like that together so we can get through this war together as well,” Bayley said.

The winner of Monday night’s motorcycle wasn’t present, but he is still able to pick it up.

All of the proceeds raised Monday night will go to Wheels 4 Warriors and will be used in future programs for our veterans.