2015 motorcycles donated for riding program to treat PTSD
MILWAUKEE — Six U.S. military veterans received new Harley-Davidson motorcycles Nov. 6 as part of the company’s partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps improve the lives of service men and women living with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Bill Davidson, great-grandson of company co-founder William A. Davidson, along with six Harley-Davidson employees who are veterans, rode the bikes – led by police motorcade – to Wounded Warrior Project headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla. The team of riders gifted the motorcycles to the injured veterans during a press conference scheduled to announce the partnership.
The six veterans – all of whom have been diagnosed with symptoms of PTSD — were selected to receive the motorcycles because, although they are experienced riders, they no longer have access to bikes due to various hardships.
“It is important to have the support of corporations like Harley-Davidson which understand the long-term needs of our nation’s veterans and are willing to work with us to help warriors uncover and live with their ‘new normal,’ “ said John Roberts, executive vice president of Warrior Relations at Wounded Warrior Project. “We know from our warriors that recreational activities like motorcycle riding provide a multitude of therapeutic benefits for those living with PTSD.”
The partnership calls for Harley-Davidson to collaborate with Wounded Warrior Project to develop a program geared toward helping more veterans experience the positive benefits of the open road. Peer-to-peer activities, like motorcycle riding, have been known to provide positive therapeutic benefits for PTSD. One in three returning troops is diagnosed with PTSD symptoms and less than 40 percent seek help.
“We’re proud of the nearly 100 years of support Harley-Davidson has provided to the men and women who defend our country and our freedom,” said Matt Levatich, president and chief operating officer at Harley-Davidson. “Our partnership with Wounded Warrior Project builds on that legacy by supporting these veterans in their quest for strength, freedom and independence.”
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