STEP Helps Veteran Pass Passion of Motorcycle Riding to Next Generation
OCEANSIDE, Calif., June 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Support the Enlisted Project (STEP), a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works with military families throughout the year, helped a local Vietnam veteran, Richard Rivero, to identify a young active duty military family so he could transfer his motorcycle and, more importantly, his spirit of riding.
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"A person trades off cars frequently. It's not often that you pass on a motorcycle. It's hands-on. It allows you to touch the road in a way that is somewhat spiritual," said the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army veteran.
Richard has been an active rider with the Patriot Guard Riders for several years. While his heart remains true to riding, years of wear and tear on his legs (including parachute jumps) make it a bit more of a physical endeavor these days.
Once he made the tough decision, Richard incorporated the help of Daniel Holford's team at S & S Coast Cycles in Oceanside to help prepare the 2011 Yamaha V-Star 950 for its next family.
"We felt really blessed to be part of this event. Riding motorcycles changes a person's mentality in a very positive way. To think we can help Richard and be a part of bringing that to the next generation (of service members) is special," said Holford.
On a daily basis, STEP provides assistance to help enlisted service members and veterans get through a trying period, make adjustments to meet their commitments, take care of their families and retain their dignity while keeping them on the path to being strong contributing citizens in the Southern California community by helping them build strong long-term financial habits. Areas of assistance include emergency food, rent and mortgage, utilities, auto repair, critical baby items and other emergency assistance.
"We loved working with Richard to vet a military family that already had all of their financial affairs in order and could legitimately afford the insurance and maintenance costs associated with bringing a motorcycle into the family. Whereas those costs plus a new bike payment might have meant delaying their dream a few more years as they finished college," said STEP President, Tony Teravainen.
As for Richard, he thinks he may move on to his first "trike" to keep "suiting up and showing up."
Media Contact:
Steve McClelland, Email
Support the Enlisted Project (STEP)
STEP Office: 858.695.6810
www.stepsocal.org
SOURCE Support The Enlisted Project
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