Letters-to-the-Editor - Motorcyles and Military Veterans, Mike Lovas

Helping Military Veterans

Question:  What do you get when you add motorcycles and military veterans?

Answer:  You get to see a large population of people who are passionate about helping veterans from all branches and all campaigns.

Many Americans show their support for veterans by displaying a yellow ribbon on their car.  That’s OK, but it doesn’t really help any veterans.  Most people understand that their own freedom is being paid for by someone else’s life.  Translate that as “someone else’s child’s life.”  A few of those people get involved in organizations and other events.

It seems the smallest number of people are the most proactive. They take the initiative to create events that support veterans here at the local level.  They willingly give their time, effort and personal resources – all in the name of helping vets and without any compensation.

One such person is Peter Pirrello.  Mr. Pirrello is a jovial man with a big smile and even bigger heart.  He created an annual benefit for veterans that’s held in Old Town, ID (adjacent to Newport, WA).  This will be the third year for the event, which continues to grow in popularity as people come from as far away as Montana to attend.  Interestingly, while Pirrello directs this event every year, he is not a veteran.  He says, “I didn’t serve IN the military, so this is how I serve those who did serve.”

The recipients of the benefit are two organizations based here in northeast Washington - Second Shot and the American Legion Riders.  Second Shot is a small Spokane-based organization that funds “spontaneous acts of kindness,” exclusively for veterans.  Second Shot is unique because all of its help is given anonymously. The American Legion Riders are highly proactive in helping veteran causes.  One of their major efforts helps veterans from World War II travel to Washington DC to visit the WWII Memorial.  They’re also active in locating and interring unclaimed remains of veterans. You will often see them at the Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, standing silently in honor of those men and women who died in the name of freedom.

The 2012 veterans benefit in Old Town will be on July 20-21 at 311 No. Idaho in Old Town, ID.  It’s called “Run Watcha Brung!”  The focal point is unique - motorcycle drag races held right on Main Street.  Pirrello says, “Any and all bikes are welcome!”  There will also be food, drink, bike show, camping and vendors of all sorts.  The Flyer.

Mike Lovas, Founder of Second Shot