Posted: Sunday, September 8, 2013
NOLANVILLE — To honor those who gave it all on 9/11 and to pay homage to those who have served and continue to serve, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association hosted its second annual Vets for Vets Memorial Run at Kay’s Motorcycle Mania on Saturday.
Motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages came together for a charity ride to raise funds for the William R. Courtney Veterans Home in Temple.
The home is a 160-bed facility licensed and certified to provide skilled nursing and domiciliary care to aged and infirm Texas war veterans. In addition to state and federal funding, the home relies upon veteran’s service organizations, civic and church groups for sponsorship of numerous activities and programs for the general well-being of the veteran patients at the home.
“Instead of handing them a check, we go in and spend time with them and ask them what they want and need, purchase it and deliver it,” said Michael “Thumbtack” Nail, a member of the motorcycle group. “We are trying to grow this event every year so we can continue to do more for our local veterans.”
Last year, the event raised more than $3,000 and the association used the proceeds to purchase several flat-screen TVs and an Xbox gaming system.
“We are trying to help reduce the risk of falls and things falling on them and giving them things they actually want,” said Diane “Sauce” Trujillo, with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. “By getting rid of the clunky ones they have now that sit on top of dressers and by mounting the new ones on the wall, they will be up and out of the way.”
Event highlights included live music, a bike wash, vendors, raffles, drawings and bike games for children and adults.
