American Legion, Harley Davidson “Battle Ride” to support disabled veterans

“Sometimes the battle begins after the service member returns home”

Aaron Wilson from Cicero Post 341 presents Past National Commander Jim Koutz with a $3,000 donation to Operation Comfort Warrior in Tipton, Indiana on Saturday, October 15, 2016.

Indianapolis – The American Legion, Department of Indiana Post 341 in Cicero is hosting the 2nd Annual Battle Ride, on Saturday, June 10 to raise funds for Operation Comfort Warriors.

The ride was originally scheduled for Saturday, May 20 but was rescheduled due to inclement weather. 
 
Proceeds will benefit veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, the signature wounds of the Global War on Terrorism, through The American Legion’s program Operation Comfort Warriors. A Check will be presented to Past National Commander of The American Legion, Indiana’s own Jim Koutz. Koutz helped develop this national program during his command year and continues to advocate for it in Indiana.
 
See the attached flyer. To pre-register, or for additional information, visit www.battleride.org
 
Registration
Registration can be done online by visiting www.battleride.org or in person the day of the ride from 8 – 10 a.m. at the ride’s start point, Renegade Classics, 9546 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Ind., 46250. Registration costs $20 per rider and $10 per passenger. Kickstands up at 10:15 a.m.
 
Route
The ride is expected to last approximately five hours, covering more than 100 miles starting at Renegade Classics in Indianapolis. Riders will travel through Indianapolis, Carmel, Lebanon, Sheridan, Cicero, and Westfield, ending at the Northside Indianapolis Harley Davidson for an after-ride celebration and fundraiser.
 
Celebration at Northside Indy Harley Davidson
A post ride celebration will be held at the final destination, Northside Harley Davidson from 3 – 6 p.m. at 4146 E. 96th Street, Indianapolis, Ind., 46240. Raffles, a silent auction, a bike show and live music will help to raise more funds for OCW.
 
Media
Media is welcome and encouraged to participate in the ride and celebration. Contact Ride Captain David Baughman at 317-517-4161 for more information.
 
Operation Comfort Warriors
Operation Comfort Warriors is dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded, injured or ill military personnel by providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government.
 
All of OCW’s administrative and marketing costs are paid from Legion membership dues so that 100 percent of all donations go directly to purchasing comfort items for troops. Items include specially designed exercise equipment for the wounded, camaraderie building outdoor excursions and loose fitting garments for veterans recovering from wounds.
 
This national program was developed by Indiana’s own James Koutz during his term as national commander of the 2.2 million member American Legion in 2012-2013. Koutz received a $3,000 donation from the Battle Ride last year at the Tipton County Courthouse.
 
"I want to thank you Legion Riders for everything you do, getting out there and raising money for our American Legion programs, especially Operation Comfort Warriors," said Koutz. "It's a program that is dear to me and over the years the Legion Riders have proved that they raise more money out there than anyone."
 
Ride Captain David Baughman said he expects to double that number this year as the ride continues to gain momentum. Contact Ride Captain David Baughman at 317-517-4161 for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact the Indiana Legion Communications Director John Crosby at 317-416-5956 or by email at communications@indlegion.org 
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