Khara Ann Potter - ​US Navy Aviation Electrician HM-15 Blackhawks (Sidecar Passenger)

Born Khara Ann Adams in Ogden, UT on December 2, 1982 to a Navy family. Her father was a sonar technician on a submarine during the Vietnam War and her uncle and grandfather both served as machinist mates during WWII. Khara enlisted right after 9/11 at 18 years old.

In “A” school, Khara was at the top of her class and had first pick of orders. She chose a Sea-Duty helicopter squadron based out of NAS Corpus Christi, TX. Helminreon-15 Blackhawks were responsible for towing minesweeping equipment to clear the way before the aircraft carriers came through.

Khara was injured working on an active flight line while taking a routine fuel sample. The fuel line got stuck open dosing her with JP-5 jet fuel that breached her PPE and flooded into her ear cavity. As a result of this toxic exposure, Khara developed several severe auto-immune disorders that she manages with the help of the VA. She was medically retired in 2010.

Khara then began college in St Louis, MO studying biology and botany while also caring for her dying father. He passed away in 2011.  In 2012 Khara met her husband, Abe Lincoln Potter during Speedweek at the Bonneville Salt Flats where he was racing for a land speed record. The two were married 6 years later.

Khara loves the outdoors and traveling. She recently spent 23 days volunteering in Cambodia and Thailand. Abe and Khara live in Holladay, UT and Khara is ready to learn to ride a motorcycle. She plans to get her motorcycle endorsement later this year.
Khara said, “I am honored to be nominated and chosen to participate in the 2020 Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis and look forward to meeting new friends and trying new things.