HOULTON, Maine — If there is one thing members of the United Vets Motorcycle Club like more than riding, it is helping fellow veterans.
That was the premise Sunday morning as members and guests gathered at the American Legion Chester L. Briggs Post 47 in Houlton to complete a 100-mile motorcycle ride to benefit the Wounded Heroes Program of Maine.
About 70 riders participated in Sunday’s event, which cost $10 per participant. The group drove from the Legion Post to Danforth, over to Wytopitlock and back to the Legion. Participants came from across Aroostook County to take part, including a motorcycle officer from the Caribou Police Department.
“There are several clubs in Aroostook County and we support each other’s causes and rides,” said Fort Fairfield’s Robert Wright, president of the United Vets Motorcycle Club. “When we do a function like this, we get a much better turnout. We are not disappointed by today’s numbers.”
Following the ride, participants, and members of the public, gathered for a spaghetti feed at the Legion post, which also included an auction. All of the proceeds helped the Wounded Heroes Program of Maine.
“With Wounded Heroes, 97 cents of every dollar donated goes to a vet,” Wright said. “That was one of the big motivating factors in us working with this program. The dollars we donate are actually going to the people we are trying to support.”
According to the group’s website, the Warrior Legacy Foundation’s Wounded Heroes Program of Maine is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization established to support wounded veterans when they return home after being injured in the line of duty.
“Once released from service due to injury, they no longer get paid. Waiting for their disability claim to be processed can take at least a year; the majority of the time, much longer. During this difficult time of transition, the expenses of daily life become overwhelming, as they are unable to work and need ongoing medical/mental health care. Wounded Heroes Program provides a safety net by paying rent, utilities, cell phone, heating oil payments and more. Wounded Heroes also provides benefits guidance and advocacy so that veterans do not have to navigate the systems on their own,” according to the site.
“The people of Maine have always taken care of the people of Maine,” Wright said. “These are our veterans. A lot of them have sacrificed limbs. Many have sacrificed their lives. It’s time for the people of Maine to step up and do what our government is not … take care of our vets.”
