Sgt Maj John Champe SAR supported the 36th annual “God Bless America” motorcycle Ride

On Sunday, June 7 Six-Hundred and thirty-five motorcycle riders rendezvoused in Greencastle, Pennsylvania then rode to the Martinsburg, WV Veterans Administration Medical Center, arriving at about 1:00pm.The ride is advertised to have one purpose:“To honor and support our Veterans”. The purpose goes on to say: “Year after year, this ride stands as a reminder that the sacrifices made by our veteans-and their families-are recognized and appreciated”.

As the riders entered the Medical Center grounds there was an avenue of flags, each flag having once covered the casket of a veteran and donated to the Medical Center by the families of those veterans.

The riders were met by businesses and volunteers who provided food and water to the riders.Riders had the opportunity to meet Veterans served by the Medical Center.The event raised $30,000 for the hospital which will be used for veteran services.

Participating for the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter were Martin Gainey accompanied by his mother, Karla, a member of the Mary Hemings Bell Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution in Purcellville, VA.Both Martin and his mother wore “Service to Veteran hats.Martin and Karla help provide sandwiches, chips and bottled water to the riders.