Nearly two hundred AMVETS Riders rode motorcycles from the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis, the site of the 67th Annual National Convention, to Camp Hope in Farmington, Mo., as AMVETS leaders, local politicians, veterans and their supporters gather to dedicate a newly constructed cabin in honor of Air Force Master Sgt. Brad Clemmons. Clemmons, who earned the Bronze Star Medal in the Global War on Terrorism, was killed in August of 2006 when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device near Taji, Iraq.
The AMVETS Riders successfully raised more than $30,000 for Camp Hope since officially designating Camp Hope a national cause for the organization one year ago at the 66th Annual AMVETS National Convention in Louisville, Ky. The AMVETS Riders’ contribution wholly funded a new cabin to be used by wounded warriors and their families while visiting Camp Hope, with remaining funds going to support a new main lodge, for which a ground breaking ceremony was also held Saturday.
After the ceremony, several AMVETS posts and chapters delivered monetary donations for Camp Hope, all of which totaled more than $12,000.
Founded in 2007 by Gold Star Parents Mike and Galia White, Camp Hope provides a variety of outdoor recreational activities to wounded warriors and their families free of charge.
Among the dignitaries in attendance for the ceremony Saturday was AMVETS National Commander Jerry Hotop of Branson, Mo., AMVETS Riders National President Victor “Dutch” Stivason, and Master Sgt. Brad Clemmons’ surviving family, including his wife, Rebecca, and the couple’s four children.
Stivason called the Riders’ yearlong campaign to support Camp Hope an outstanding success and a fitting tribute to a true American hero.
“I am proud of the hard work and dedication of our AMVETS Riders from all over the country this past year,” said Stivason. “Our mission will ensure our veterans and their families continue to enjoy the truly remarkable healing that happens here at Camp Hope for years to come. Having the Clemmons family with us is also a tremendous privilege. We are honored to pay tribute to the life and service of Master Sgt. Brad Clemmons.”
Following the Camp Hope cabin dedication, the Riders held a fundraising dance at Shady Jack’s restaurant and bar in St. Louis.
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raising more than $30,000 is a great thing.
ReplyDeletetaking care of the veterans is the least we can do after what they have done for us.
Thank you for doing that!!