Thousands gathered for the 11th annual Vet's Christmas Charity Ride.
COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) – Motorcyclists from the community revving up their bikes for the 11th annual Vet’s Christmas Charity Ride Saturday.
The ride began at the Carolina Honda Powerhouse,and continued to Dorn V.A. Medical Center.
Every year participants ride to bring Christmas joy to vets who otherwise would not have any.
The first ride was back in 2001, started by Major Jim Wertman, Gene Royer, and Earl Small Jr.
Owner of the Carolina Honda Powerhouse, Jim Wertman said,"We're doing something for a segment of the military that have been forgotten."
During Saturday's event he was with his best friend John Baker who served in Vietnam and received a Medal of Honor.
Baker has attended the event for the past 5 years, and knows just how much the veterans at Dorn need a public pick me up during the holidays.
"I also worked at the Dorn V.A. Hospital, and I know what these veterans go through. For these vets, they don't have anybody to spend Christmas with and they don't get gifts, and this is a great opportunity for the public to participate." said Baker.
The first year they had 500 riders who participated in spreading Christmas cheer, and now the turnout has grown to thousands.
If you would like to help this organization or know someone this organization can help, please contact Jim Wertman by email jwertman@carolinahonda.com
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