There is something undeniably powerful about the sound of 30 some motorcycles firing up in unison—not just the roar of engines, but the rumble of purpose. That is what we experienced during the June 2024 VFW Benefit Ride, a heartfelt day of camaraderie, patriotism, and giving back.
We kicked things off at VFW Post 8066 in Eaton, Ohio, where friends, veterans, and riders gathered under the morning sun. The sky was clear and the sun plentiful. Some of us were old friends, others meeting for the first time, but we were all united by one common cause: supporting veterans in Ohio and across the nation. After a few late entries were registered, a brief riders’ meeting, and a salute to the flag, we saddled up and hit the road.
Blockers immediately jumped into action, sealing off the first intersection en route to VFW Post 1577 in Camden, Ohio. The first leg from Eaton to Camden wound southward just on the outskirts of a quaint Midwest neighborhood, the air ripe with the scent of a nearby cornfield.
As we rode in staggered formation through the streets, local residence taking advantage of the brisk summer morning temperatures were flashing thumbs up to all the participants. This is the type of support and comradery always found in “small town, USA” and justified the sacrifice of not sleeping in and enjoying a lazy Saturday morning in bed.
As we left town, the group headed south on U.S. 127 towards Camden. Staci and I have ridden this road several hundreds of times over, yet it never gets old. This two-lane road winds through lush forests, followed by the familiar wheat and cornfields synonymous with the Midwest. The tall trees cast shade enough to provide a notable temperature drop, and is always welcomed on a hot summer day. On this particular morning, it cooled the air almost enough to justify a jacket or sweatshirt.
Our first stop was VFW Post 1577 in Camden, Ohio. Their small parking lot, typically housing ten to twelve vehicles at any given time, quickly swelled with the roar of thirty some cruiser and touring motorcycles. Several trailing members of the group improvised and had to create their own parking spots.
As we all began dismounting our steel horses, members of VFW Post 1577 emerged and greeted us with warm smiles and hugs. Despite being forewarned of our arrival, they all gleamed with the anticipation of mingling with members from a different VFW post, albeit, from the same county.
Staci and I trickled in behind a couple we had invited to the ride. The Post was dark, like many are, almost too dark as our eyes had not quite adjusted from the bright, sunny skies that graced us while en route down U.S. 127 South. The rest of the gang filtered into the small, dated Post, complete with the POW/MIA table.
Participants naturally gravitated to the bar, some opting for a soda, some for water, and well, it is always five o’clock somewhere so some took advantage of that, too. The small Post was filled with noise, chatter from war stories, clanking of drinking glasses, and the music pumping from the antiquated jukebox. Staci and I looked at each other, smiling, so glad to be a part of a very close cause, one that hits us directly as a result of my time served in the United States Air Force. We were giving back to those that provided us the very freedom to do this very event.
In the interest of maintaining our schedule and remaining considerate of the schedules of our future stops, our Road Captain shouted out the five minute warning. We all toasted our drinks in recognition and remembrance of our brothers and sisters, visited the latrine, and began saying our goodbyes and “until laters”. It was time to head out to our next stop, VFW Post 3288 in Brookville, Ohio.
All the riders mounted their bikes, followed by their “ole ladies”. Then the sound of 30 some engines belted out in unison, a sound that never gets old. After a quick adjustment to the head units, tuning into our favorite radio station or playlist, a thumbs up lead by the Road Captain was flashed, trickling all the back to the last member, informing everyone in the group we were rolling out.
The route from Camden to Brookville was equally as enjoyable as the one from Eaton to Camden. Living in the county for the last dozen years or so, I am intimately familiar with all the “one stop light towns” and the backroads that connect them all. And while “driving” them has taken its toll on me over the last decade plus, I am always up for “riding” them.
We wound through eastern Preble County and crossed over into Montgomery County. Much like before, wheat and cornfields lined the quiet country backroads, now booming with the rumble of 30 motorcycles. The sky was still incredibly clear and the sun still shining bright, its rays reflecting off of the chrome accents of the motorcycles ahead of us.
While thoroughly enjoying the ride, the sounds, the scenes around me, and the warmth of the sun, it quickly dawned on me it was our turn to block. “Blocking” is an intentional act by a rider to purposefully position themselves in an intersection to block traffic that could potentially interfere with the flow of the ride. Blocking is typically a part of every “group ride” and ensures all members of the pack can travel freely and, more importantly, safely, through an intersection.
After blocking and a couple more turns, we rolled into VFW Post 3288. Much like the Camden stop prior, we were greeted by staff members and VFW members, a like, all anxious to hear from and hang out with members of VFW Post 8066.
In line with our visit to VFW Post 1577, we all grabbed a drink from the bar, “tipping” much more than we normally would knowing all proceeds, benefit ride or not, go towards supporting veterans all over Ohio and the rest of the Nation. We rubbed elbows with our fellow riders and veterans, while some of the regulars were playing slot machines. Others sat down at tables with their drinks, taking a load off from the previous leg.
After a 15 minute stay, it was time to saddle up again. The Road Captain, obviously an experienced one, had to keep us on track as to not over-extend our stays and to keep us on schedule.
We swallowed our last gulps, packed up what belongings we had with us, and once again, said goodbye and thank you to our hospitable brothers and sisters. It was time to embark on the longest leg of our journey.
Brookville to Greenville, Ohio is not what I would consider a long journey, especially when riding a touring motorcycle designed specifically for cross-country riding. However, considering this specific ride, it was technically the longest leg. This leg of our ride took us up a beautiful section of Ohio State Route 49 North. Pretty much a straight shot with little to no curves, our tight, staggered formation flowed effortlessly through Montgomery County and into Darke County; no blockers needed here.
The “longer” leg from Brookville to Greenville provided a more than welcomed “breeze” as the June summer’s day began to heat up. I began to feel my skin warm up, kissed by the bright sun, and knew it was time to lather up the sunscreen. The wind was nice, but I could tell I was already toasting in the summer sun, something that has always plagued me on any of me and Staci’s rides. All the while, she is lapping it up and tanning.
As we turned into VFW Post 7262 in Greenville, the members of the group filed into the available parking spaces. Unlike Camden’s parking lot, there was plenty of space to accommodate all of us. Once parked, we gathered a few items, and headed inside to greet our hosts.
VFW Post 7262 is much larger than the previous posts we had visited. It makes sense, though, as Greenville is the largest of the five areas on our list. Ample space was available for a fairly large bar, several gaming machines, a complete dining area, a handful of pool tables, a few dart boards, and of course, the ever present POW/MIA Table.
Like the other’s that came before it, VFW Post 7262 was a fantastic host. And just like the other’s that came before it, war stories were told, beers/drinks were raised, and chatter filled the room. While the stories told may seem repetitive, they are anything but. New ears are listening, new appreciation is being extended, and new experiences are being shared. While I did not see any “trigger time” in my eight years served, I was a member of the United States Air Force Security Forces (equivalent to a civilian law enforcement officer) and served overseas in support of Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Sometimes, I almost feel guilty that I had it “easy” compared to these folks I was surrounded by; other times I feel grateful I am still around and in one piece (mentally and physically, for the most part). And it is because of my gratefulness that Staci and I try to do anything we can to be charitable to these causes.
Once again, the Road Captain shouted, “Five minute warning.” We used the latrine, thanked the staff and members of VFW Post 7262 and saddled up. Our next stop was American Legion Post 360 located in New Paris, Ohio.
Ohio State Route 121 is short on mileage, but a very nice, scenic stretch in western Ohio. As the group rumbled down the quaint state route, lined with more wheat and cornfields, I felt an enormous amount of pride to be associated with such a great group of individuals. As we wound down the day, with only this stop and then a short trip back to where we started to go, I reflected heavily on the people we met, the stories that we shared, and the new relationships that were sure to last. People associated with such a “small” group are akin to sticking together, tighter than groups that are larger in size. Strength in numbers is how I see it.
On this particular leg, Staci and I were in the back. This not only provided for the great image displayed above, but really drove home the idea behind our day. We were a part of something very special. All these people ahead of us thought like us, sacrificed like us, loved what we loved, and cherished the freedoms that we and other veterans have provided for and cherished.
Our sense of pride and accomplishment followed us all the way to American Legion Post 360. While not a VFW Post, American Legion Post 360 welcomed us just as our fellow VFW Posts did. Without going into the proverbial weeds too much, the main difference between American Legion Posts and VFW Posts lies in their membership requirements. Both entities support active military members and veterans and spearhead community support efforts via outreach programs and benefit functions such as fundraisers (like this very benefit ride). The difference is American Legion membership requires a member to have served in an Active Duty capacity for one day or more in the United States Armed Forces AND received an Honorable Discharge upon separation or retirement. VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) expands upon that by requiring applicants to have served in a war, a campaign, or an expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters. You can see why we were welcomed as their own, as at the end of the day, our common goals are the same.
After visiting American Legion Post 360, we returned full circle to VFW Post 8066, tired but fulfilled. Unfortunately, Staci and I had to keep marching home and could not enjoy the finale due to our parental obligations. From what we heard later, the couple that we invited along with us said the food and festivities at our “home” VFW was nothing short of amazing…”Have kids.”, they said. “It’ll be great.”, they said…
This ride was not just about the miles—it was about the mission. With 30 motorcycles and countless supporters along the route, we helped raise funds and awareness for veterans across Ohio and beyond. Every dollar raised makes a difference, whether it is helping a veteran find housing, medical support, or simply letting them know they are not forgotten.
To everyone who rode, supported, or stood curbside to wave us on—thank you.