KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports | Harley's Heroes: appreciating America's war vets
Member Center:
BY SARA GOLDENBERG
SGOLDENBERG@KJCT8.COM
GRAND JUNCTION (KJCT)- Military veterans in the Grand Junction area got a special thanks for their service Saturday.
The Harley's Heros tour offered a day of free counseling and assistance for U.S. war vets.
It's a reminder to us all, to remember the sacrifices of the men and women in uniform who fight for our country. The day of veteran appreciation featured a bike wash, a bike show, and live music at Grand Junction's Harley Davidson dealership. All of the money goes to Disabled American Veterans.
"It means a lot getting the disabled service van down here, I really appreciate the dealership doing that," said Vietnam veteran Jim Morris.
Morris says the DAV's services are indispensable.
"Many of us in Vietnam didn't get a welcome home when we came back. There was a very hostile attitude toward those that had served. And just in the last few years that attitude has changed, and the veterans have really pulled together.
Since 1920 Disabled American Veterans has helped build better lives for America's vets.
"We kind of cut through the red tape for them. When you deal with the government sometimes you deal with bureaucracy, and it gets frustrating because it takes a long time for benefits to be processed. So we kind of act as a go-between and make sure the VA makes the right decision the first time," said DAV National Service Officer Brian Austin.
DAV mobile service offices are all over the United States.
One DAV National Commander even built a special bike to tour across country, and is making 17 stops at VA centers and bike dealerships.
Rob Reynolds says he does it to remind us "freedom is not free".
"Anybody that has served their nation and as a result of that service has gotten injured or ill, should get whatever they're entitiled," he said.
The DAV serves veterans of all ages and conflicts. If you need assistance, you can call the Grand Junction VA Hospital and ask to speak to the Disabled American Veterans.
