Announcing “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime” Selectees

Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis® is pleased to announce the additions of two veterans nominated by the public to participate in this years ride to Sturgis.

WE WELCOME
Keith Helfrich & Jedidiah (Jed) Morgan

About Keith Helfrich, Sergeant Major. US Army

Keith Helfrich joined the Army in 1986 as an 11B (Infantryman). After years of training with the Rangers, Keith was assigned to 10th Special Forces. Keith lead the most elite soldiers on the battlefield as Team Sergeant and as a Sergeant Major. His combat experience includes Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Provide Comfort II, Bosnia, and Iraq.

Keith was awarded the Bronze Star Medal during Operation Iron Fist. Due to Keith’s planning and execution, the operation resulted in the capture of over 100 insurgents, the enemy surrendering the town of Salman Pak and zero friendly casualties. In 2012, with four tours in Iraq and after 26 years of service, Keith was medically retired after sustaining his last injury.

Keith currently lives in Texas with his wife Raquel and their three daughters. Keith started riding dirt bikes as a kid and has always had a bike although now he prefers a big V-Twin, and is looking forward to riding in the Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis. 

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About Jedidiah (Jed) Morgan, Cpl. USMC

Jed joined the Marines just out of High School in 2009. After School of Infantry (for 0311, Combat Infantryman) he was assigned to 1/7 (First Battalion, Seventh Marines). Six months later, Jed’s unit deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan.

In 2009, while on a daily foot patrol in Afghanistan his unit stopped on a hilltop for a short rest. While settling into a defensive position, Jed triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He lost both legs and knees and the use of his right hand.

Jed has undergone numerous surgeries and exhaustive physical therapy. Getting fitted for prosthetics and learning how to use them, not just on level ground but for all aspects of daily life, has become his primary focus.

Jed is happily married to his best friend, Anna. They are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl!

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ABOUT “HERO’S RIDE OF A LIFETIME” NOMINATION

​VCR was looking to give two deserving veteran heroes the ride of their life with honorary participation in the 2016 Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis®! The public submitted and told us why their favorite veteran should be given the chance to ride a motorcycle on an all-expense paid trip across the scenic Western United States and experience the world’s largest motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota in August 2016.

Two spaces were available: One was given to an ambulatory veteran motorcycle rider (proof of motorcycle license endorsement and sufficient riding experience was required) and one space was given to an amputee veteran to ride as a sidecar passenger (no motorcycle experience was required).

THE DETAILS

• Veterans are flown to and arrive in Los Angeles Friday July 29, 2016.
• Ride leaves LA Saturday morning July 30 and we ride for 9 days through CA, NV, UT, CO, WY and arrive in Sturgis, SD Sunday Aug. 7, 2016.
• We spend the entire week Monday- Sunday (Aug. 8-14) at the Sturgis Bike Rally.
• Airfare to and from ride, all lodging, meals, motorcycle usage and excursions are provided