Ruff Riders For Veterans

Ruff Riders For Veterans

The American Warrior Initiative (“AWI”) is proud to introduce its AWI Ruff Riders program.

It is well known that a considerable number of former service members ride or have ridden a motorcycle. Through motorcycling, these former military members often find a sense of community and brotherhood through this shared interest – not unlike the tribal bonding that they experienced in the military.

All too often, the lives of our Veterans and First Responders are impacted with harrowing physical and mental injuries. According to the CDC: “Law enforcement officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. Furthermore, EMS providers are 1.39 times more likely to die by suicide than the public”. Per the Veterans Administration, the average number of Veteran suicides per day rose to 16.8 in 2020. And, at some point in their life, 7 out of every 100 Veterans (or 7%) will have PTSD.

But there is hope. And sometimes, hope rides in on two wheels.

Recent studies have shown that motorcycle activities and related therapies can have a positive impact on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), Suicide Prevention and so much more. Additionally, riding is viewed as a safe and effective way of addressing many PTSD symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and others. Yet, another way to battle the high risk of suicides faced by our Veterans.

Through the AWI Ruff Riders effort, AWI seeks to raise funds to continue its efforts to help veterans, activities duty members, and first responders who are in need of assistance. Your contribution will help us provide trained service dogs, grants, equipment and other assistance to these individuals, their families, and organizations that they strive to serve.

The American Warrior Initiative is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization that has reached thousands, bringing awareness to the challenges facing the men and women who have served in the military, police force, fire departments, and more. AWI has spearheaded hundreds of Give-Back Initiatives. These amazing heroes have been served through mortgage-free housing, business grants, home upgrades, service dogs, and much more. Every penny that is donated to AWI goes toward these initiatives to honor the recipients.

Registration and participation for this event will officially open on Friday, June 2nd, 2023 and will end and close on Friday, September 29th, 2023.