Veterans Day, veterans' stories

Enough books have been written and enough movies made that even many non-motorcyclists have at least a general idea that veterans returning to civilian life have had an influence on motorcycle culture in the United States ever since World War II. But beyond that fairly well known broader story, I'm proud to look back through the Common Tread archives and find several personal stories about veterans and motorcycles.

It makes for something like an appropriate Veterans Day reading list.

Probably my personal favorite of all was a very open and honest account by Drew Faulkner of how motorcycles helped him through a rocky time as he struggled to readjust to civilian life after two tours in the Middle East. And while his re-entry into civilian society was not quite as bumpy, one of our co-workers, a Navy veteran, wrote about how joining a motorcycle club allowed him to find the camaraderie and structure he missed and reconnect with some of the positive aspects of military service.

Motorcycling has also helped veterans in more formal ways, through programs such as the Motorcycle Relief Project. We interviewed a former Navy Corpsman and psychology student who took part in that program to find out how it helps veterans and we also followed along on the road to Sturgis with a chef supporting the Veterans Charity Ride, another effort to support those who served.

Recently, we wrote about Navy veteran Patrick “Vroom Old Man” Cornell, who rode more than 200,000 miles in a year to raise funds and awareness about an illness that has affected his family. Probably some of the grit and discipline from his military days had something to do with him setting the incredible record for most consecutive 1,000-mile days. A few years ago, we profiled a father who shared off-road riding with his children as a way to impart lessons, prepare them for life, and to prepare them for his absence during his next overseas deployment.

We sponsored the film "Where the Road Ends," which follows four veterans on a journey from the Arctic Circle to the southern tip of South America — an idea for an adventure that was first hatched in an Army tent in Iraq.

Our parent company, Comoto, supports veterans among our employees with the Fortis In Unum group, one of several Team Member Resource Groups we have. And this is also a good time for a reminder that all three Comoto retailers (RevZilla, Cycle Gear, and J&P Cycles) offer a discount to active duty and retired military personnel.

So if you're a veteran, we thank you for your service (and be sure to take advantage of your discount next time you're shopping), and if you're not, check out some of our stories about some of your interesting fellow motorcyclists who are.