March 17, 2014 at 3:59 p.m.
Inaugural Harley/DAV Spring Break-out event a huge success
Inaugural Harley/DAV Spring Break-out event a huge success
Put on by Northwoods Harley Davidson of Arbor Vitae, the event's main goal was to raise money for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to buy a new van.
"This year, we're raising money so (the DAV) can buy a new van. They transport veterans to Iron Mountain (Mich.) to the veterans hospital who aren't able to get there on their own," Northwoods Harley Davidson owner Al Ison said.
"They supply the transportation but the van is really worn out as you can imagine from all the trips it makes and needs to be replaced, so that's what this is all about, to raise money so they can buy a new van."
While this was the area's first Spring Break-out event, Ison said Harley has a long history of working with veterans, a tradition he said he's eager to continue.
"Most of our functions always revolve around veterans organizations, whether it be raising money for Camp American Legion - we do a ride for that every summer - and now we've got this event which is going to be an annual event to raise money for Disabled American Veterans," Ison said.
"Harley Davidson has always been all about veterans. Anything we can do to help out the veterans, we're always trying to help with that, to get them all the support they need and more."
That means the Spring Break-out will become an annual event.
"This is going to be an annual event that's going to be every year. It might not be in the same place every year, we move things around usually," Ison said.
"We try to do things around this time of year - we call it our Spring Break-out."
Ison said he sees no problems with the event becoming a yearly endeavor because from what he's seen around the area, when it comes to supporting veterans, there's no shortage of love for those who have served their country.
"It's amazing. We went around for door prizes and the outpouring of support from the businesses, the way they all stepped up to the plate to help out, it was just unbelieveable," Ison said.
"It's just amazing how, when you talk about veterans and set things up to help out the veterans, how much the community steps up."
Stepping up to the plate to help those who stepped up to the ultimate plate for their country is an easy thing to do said attendee Ronald Chesterton.
"How can you not support our veterans? They put their lives on the line to protect us, to protect our freedoms, to protect everything that we hold dear. It's because of them that we're even able to hold events like this, to live how we live," Chesterton said.
"On of the things I'm most proud of when it comes to the Northwoods is how we step up for our vets. They supported us in the ultimate way. Now, it's our turn to support them."
Thanks to Harley and the community, the DAV is now well on its way toward a new van, something DAV commander Ray VonBober said is badly needed.
"It's amazing. We're really pleased to see such a great turn out for this," VonBober said.
"We definitely need the new van. The one we have now is pretty worn down, so to see everyone come out to help and support the veterans, it's an amazing sight."
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
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