Thunder Roads Ohio November 2019 Veterans Section

THANK YOU Resources for Veterans There are a wealth of resources and organizations dedicated to serving veterans and their families in recognition of their service and sacrifices made. There are a tremendous number of resources out there, many of which can be accessed by www.OhioVets.gov We wanted to include a few items here worth mentioning specifically, but will have far more online at www.ThunderRoadsOhio.com – just click on the veterans tab.

Veterans Crisis Line

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has established a national Veterans Crisis Line to ensure that Veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors.

To operate the hotline, the VA partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans, family members and friends can call the lifeline number, 800-273-TALK (8255) and press “1” to be routed to the hotline and speak to a counselor about any issue that is creating a crisis situation in his or her life.

Contact: 800-273-8255 or text 4HOPE to 741 741 (Ohio’s Crisis Text Line) website: www.veteranscrisisline.net

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Ohio Veterans Bonus A State Bonus for those serving in Afghanistan and Elsewhere This program provides a monetary bonus for those who served during the time of the conflict in Afghanistan. It pays $100 per month for service in Afghanistan and $50 per month for service elsewhere, up to a maximum of $1,500. Eligibility: Veterans (including those currently serving) can determine if they are eligible by visiting the website and using the eligibility tools.

Generally, anyone who served honorably anywhere in the world for more than 90 days (not for training) on or after October 7, 2001 is eligible. Applicants must have been Ohio residents at the time of entry onto active duty and must be current Ohio residents.

Contact: Applications and Q&A are located at: www.veteransbonus.ohio.gov or at any of Ohio’s 88 County Veterans Service Offices. For more information, call 877-OHIOVET (877-644-6838), select option 2.

Please Note: Bonuses offered by the State of Ohio for service during previous wars have expired.Veterans or Active Service Members who have not received a bonus for service after Oct. 7, 2001, (for service in Afghanistan or elsewhere) may still apply.

Ohio Heroes First-Time Homebuyer Program The Ohio Heroes program lowers by up to 25 percent the rate available to individuals eligible to participate in the Ohio Housing Finance Agency‟s First-Time Homebuyer Program.

Ohio Heroes are firefighters, police officers, teachers, health care workers, and active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces or Reserves and honorably discharged veterans. For more information, contact your lender or: Office of Home Ownership Ohio Housing Finance Agency 57 E. Main St. Columbus, OH 43215 Toll free: 888-362-6432; main phone: 614-466-7970 http://myohiohome.org/ohioheroes.aspx

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County Veterans Service Offices In Ohio, each county has a Veterans Service Office which is staffed with professionals that are certified and dedicated to helping Veterans, their spouses and children, as well as surviving family members of deceased Veterans.

They can assist Ohio’s Veterans in applying for benefits earned by active military service. These include: Federal – Disability Compensation, Pension, Healthcare, Education, Home Loans, Burial and Survivor Benefits State – Veterans Bonus, Education, Employment, Healthcare, Home Loans, Ohio Veterans Homes, and Military Injury Relief Fund.

Local – Claim Preparation and Assistance, Financial Assistance, Transportation to VA Medical Appointments, and Indigent Burials.

Many County Veterans Service and County Recorders also make Veterans ID Cards.

Ohio Veterans can find their local Service Office by calling 877-OHIO-VET (877-6446838) or by visiting www.OhioVets.gov For instance, the Washington County Veterans Commission (see below) has partnered with Thunder Roads Ohio to help get their message to more Veterans. They will also have copies of Thunder Roads Ohio available each month at their offices.

Real Estate Taxes and the Active Service Extension Act The Active Service Extension Act gives active-duty military personnel up to five additional years to pay their real estate taxes without penalty or interest. The benefit extends to real estate taxes included as part of the mortgage payment.

The active-duty member or a spouse or dependent parent should apply at their county treasurer‟s office. The benefit is available while the service member is on active duty and for six months afterward.

Find your county treasurer: www. ohiocountytreasurers.org.

State Hunting and Fishing Eligibility: Ohio Revised Code provides for eligible resident disabled Veterans and former prisoners of war to receive a fishing license, hunting license, fur taker permit, deer permit, wild turkey permit, wetlands habitat stamp or any combination of these licenses free of charge.

More information can be found at http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov or by calling 800-Wildlife (945-3543).

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The Saluting Marine – A Symbol of Respect and Sacrifice

By Roger L. Vance, historynet.com In 2020, Rolling Thunder will be hosting a “Ride for Freedom” in Columbus Ohio on Sunday, May 24 - in the spirit of the Rally that has been traditionally held in Washington D.C. by the Veterans motorcycle organization. After more than 30 years, Rolling Thunder has decided that it will no longer host the event in DC – so Rolling Thunder’s 6 Ohio Chapters and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) are teaming up to invite Veterans from across the Midwest and the entire Nation to Columbus in a celebration of freedom and remembrance. The official announcement was made during the 2019 AIMExpo, also held in Columbus, and event organizers brought Tim Chambers – aka “The Saluting Marine” to help with.

Tim Chambers admits to an “overabundance of enthusiasm.” In his 15-year Marine Corps career, that enthusiasm served him well, leading to his series of Forrest Gump–like experiences.

“You can get anywhere with enthusiasm,” said Chambers. Like onto the median of Washington’s 23rd Street in Marine

dress blues during Rolling Thunder in 2002, snapping a salute to the bikers rolling by.

Despite myriad challenges, Chambers hasn’t missed a Rolling Thunder since, becoming somewhat of a legend who is recognized by millions.

The eldest of six children, Chambers learned about discipline and hard work on his grandfather’s 500-acre strawberry farm in Silverton, Ore. “My grampa showed me how to be courteous, treat all people with respect and use common sense,” Chambers said. “And because he always kept his hoe close to my behind, it made the Marine Corps seem easy.”

Chambers joined the Marines after high school in 1994. From Parris Island on, he credits his energy and enthusiasm with helping him land many interesting jobs, including protocol chief to a general stationed in Japan and assistant to the chief defense counsel for the Marines in Washington.

Sergeant Chambers was also an ardent volunteer for organizations such as Special Olympics and the Muscular Dsytrophy Association. While stationed in Washington from 2000 to 2003, he

participated in the World War II Memorial groundbreaking ceremony and the Korean War Commemoration Committee’s ceremonies for veterans who never received their medals. In 2003 Chambers’ volunteer work earned him recognition as one of five “Very Important Patriots” by the National Military Family Association— and because of that, his face appeared on the Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereal box.

On September 11, 2001, however, his energy and enthusiasm took a more dramatic turn in Washington. When the Pentagon was hit, he raced to the scene with other Marines and helped in the rescue efforts, entering the building to look for survivors and bodies. Two months later, Chambers and 10 other Marines were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. “The whole ordeal reminded me of why the Marine Corps exists,” said Chambers. “We are trained to react. It was a gut check and helped me decide to reenlist.” For his heroics, he was invited to the 2002 Rose Bowl parade to ride on a float with other 9/11 first responders.

Chambers first became aware of Rolling Thunder while he was stationed in Washington, and in 2002 the Marine decided to don his dress uniform and

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spend the day thanking veterans. But he didn’t think that was enough. He’d attended many funerals on behalf of the Marines, but felt giving a salute at a vet’s funeral was really too late. “That was it,” he said of his impulsive gesture. “I just jumped out there as the parade was happening and popped up a salute. Then I started thinking, ‘Can I make it to the end? If I fall out will I look like a complete idiot?’”

been recently returned.

Chambers recalled the Marine Commandant General James Conway’s reaction to seeing him: “He came up to me and said, ‘What are you doing here, Marine? Who invited you?’ I said, ‘The president did, sir!’ That was fun.”

“I just got caught up in the moment,” he said, not thinking it would be more than just a one-time thing. The next year, though, Chambers began his salute at the very beginning of the motorcycle run and held it to the end.

While Tim Chambers’ annual salute, which lasts three to four hours, is a feat in itself, a serious medical condition has made the last three years especially challenging for him. After surgery in 2005, he contracted a serious bacterial infection caused by Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

In Chambers’ case, the bacteria invaded his back muscles and causes flare-ups that require intense therapy and can leave him bedridden for months at a time.

Transferred to California in 2004, Chambers said his run might have ended then. Soon, though, he received validation of his Rolling Thunder salute in the form of a letter from Marine Commandant General Michael Hagee, who wrote about the letters he’d received praising Chambers’ action and congratulating him “for serving as a superb representative of our Marine Corps.”

“I was just floored,” Chambers said—and he felt determined to get back the next year. He arranged to take leave to get to Rolling Thunder each year after that, and he has even taken his mother and grandmother with him a few times. Three times he’s accompanied riders from the Run for the Wall or Carry the Flame groups.

By 2008 the Marine sergeant had become a Rolling Thunder fixture. That year, after giving the salute, Chambers got a call from an aide to President George W. Bush.

He told Chambers the president had seen him that day, was very impressed, and invited him to a Memorial Day breakfast at the White House the next morning.

Chambers took his grandmother along, and they met the family of Army Staff Sgt. Matt Maupin, who had been a POW in Iraq and whose remains had just

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The recurring illness contributed to Chambers’ decision to leave the Marines in 2009. “The Marine Corps has been my whole life since high school,” he said, “but I knew I could no longer serve. I miss it a lot.”

For the last three years, Chambers has suffered flare-ups just prior to Rolling Thunder. In 2011 he was hospitalized for several months before the Memorial Day weekend. Added to that, Chambers also had a broken right wrist.

“The first hour is always hell and I have to fight mentally to keep from falling out,” he said. “Over the years, it hasn’t gotten easier. I really thought I was going to fall out last year.” But even though he was clearly struggling, Chambers held his salute until the last bike passed.

“I’ll be in better shape this year,” Chambers said in March, noting that the MRSA infection had not returned.

“The biggest concern I have is fitting into my uniform,” he said. “I’m 36 now and have been so sick the past few years that I haven’t had much opportunity to work out.

But, really it’s more of a mental thing. I’m always thinking, ‘If I drop my salute, can I find a rock I THUNDERROADSOHIO.COM THUNDERROADSOHIO.COM

can crawl under?’”

What mostly runs through Chambers’ mind during the salute are thoughts about what he is representing and who he is reaching. “Service members truly have compassion and love for each other,” he said. “The country needs to see this, and Rolling Thunder brings it to life. I feel the need to thank them for doing it.”

“I’m floored any time I hear that I’ve touched someone,” said Chambers.

“Whenever a mother says I remind them of a son who died—be it in Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan or even Vietnam—it completely blows me away. And when they tell me their stories, I will then tell them to others. Mission accomplished.”

And it’s not just a one-way experience for Chambers, who never served in combat.

“When the vets stop and salute me, or when active duty soldiers and Marines get off their bikes, it validates me—even though they see what’s not on my chest,” he said. “As long as I am honoring and emulating them and helping people to remember their service and sacrifice, I hope that I will be accepted.”

While Tim Chambers admitted to having a few mental tricks to sustain him through the salute, he said he’s found something else that gets him through it.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “When the bikes come right by me, the vibrations of the engines run through my body, and it takes away the pain in my arm. I especially love it when they rev up their engines and look me right in the eye and say, ‘Looking good, Tim!’ It means so much to be remembered and respected. There’s nothing better than that.”

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‘Controlling danger’ — here’s why vets love motorcycles By: Joshua Axelrod, Military Times Motorcycles have always been a part of Stephanie Cutts’ life, for better or worse.

Her husband, Frank, died in a motorcycle accident. But the 35-year-old Navy veteran has continued riding, both to honor his memory and because of the relationships she has developed with folks in the motorcycle world.

As Cutts has known for years, the motorcycle community is a vibrant, supportive group that brings together anyone who loves bikes as much as she does. It has been especially hospitable to veterans seeking healthy outlets to combat PTSD or other mentalhealth symptoms related to their time in the military.

“There obviously is the adrenaline and the dangerous aspects where you have to constantly be on guard,” she said. “I think there is a deeper camaraderie, where you can connect with a stranger instantly and bond over something.”

Quinton Liebenberg (L), gives Stephanie Cutts, a Navy veteran from Greenville, S.C., motorcycle instruction in the Namib Desert during Uuzilo's first motorcycle expedition in July 2018, Swakopmund,

Experts in the military and medical fields agree that activities like motorcycle riding can at least temporarily help veterans dealing with PTSD. It certainly helped Cutts get through her trauma by providing her with a supportive community.

Veterans can participate in a few bike-centric courses through Motorcycle Missions that include a motocross camp, a welding class or a build team where you learn how to construct motorcycles.

“It’s hard to make connections with civilians because you don’t have the same core base of life experience,” she said. “But you can do that with motorcycles because gear heads are gear heads.”

The organization also holds “build-off” competitions where teams of veterans and first responders compete to design and build the best motorcycle. The latest one took place this April in Austin, Texas, between teams representing Austin and Dallas and was sponsored by Indian Motorcycle.

Cutts’ love of motorcycles recently helped book her a once-in-alifetime trip to Africa through Uuzilo, a nonprofit dedicated to taking veterans and anyone else suffering from PTSD on motorcycle tours around Africa.

Uuzilo was started by Andrew Councill, who was in a bad place around 2015 after a rough divorce and the death of his father.

Councill decided to take a trip to Africa and, on a whim, purchased his first motorcycle there. The feeling of riding through the continent on his bike gave him a peace of mind he never thought he’d have again.

“I went from feeling like the most pitiful wretch on earth to feeling like the luckiest person on earth,” he said.

Councill isn’t a veteran, but he recognized that a motorcycle helped him heal from his trauma and figured it might help them too. He feels that the type of person who would go into the military is “well-suited” for this high-octane form of therapy.

“It’s danger, but it’s controlling danger,” he said. “As soon as you get on a bike and take off in Africa ... you very quickly and instinctively decide if you want to live.”

Uuzilo isn’t the only organization that uses motorcycles as a therapeutic tool for veterans.

Motorcycle Missions is another nonprofit serving veterans working through trauma by teaching them about the joys of motorcycles.

It was founded by Krystal Hess, another nonveteran who credits motorcycles for helping to set her on the path to recovery after getting out of an abusive relationship.

“I decided it was time to put into action this program that I had been thinking about and use it as a means of therapy for these guys and girls who struggle and suffer from the traumatic experiences they’ve had serving our country and communities,” she said.

“Support of veterans and the military community is a natural fit for the brand and something we’re very passionate about,” said Indian Motorcycle Senior Director Reid Wilson.

Hess said that more than 100 veterans have gone through various Motorcycle Missions programs since 2016. She has worked with veterans who have told her they have stopped drinking, re-kindled a relationship or felt calm enough to go off their medication after working with Motorcycle Missions.

“They’re very much programmed to do a job,” she said. “When they come home, they’re not deprogrammed, and they have a hard time getting back into the normal rhythm of things… there are intrusive thoughts, there’s nightmares, anger, aggression, alcohol abuses. Our whole goal is to prevent that from happening and give them a purpose.”

That was the case for Matthew Webb, a 34-year-old Marine veteran who was on Team Dallas during that April build-off (Team Austin narrowly won). He said that Motorcycle Missions not only made him realize that bikes are his true passion, but he’s now thinking about “ramrodding my way” into the motorcycle industry as a full-time career.

For him, being on a motorcycle is a true “place of peace.”

“When you’re riding, there’s so much going on that your body seizes on that adrenaline,” he said. “It puts you in a place where you’re around like-minded individuals… for the most part, everybody that I’ve met is extremely friendly and wants to be involved and wants to get to know you. It’s a great community full of nice, genuine people.”

He also wanted to dispel the stereotype that people who drive motorcycles are intimidating.

As he put it: “We might look scary, but we’re not!”

(Reprinted from Military Times, rebootcamp.militarytimes.com)

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VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS There are numerous motorcycle-oriented Veterans groups across Ohio. We’ve included a few here in effort to encourage those looking for Brothers and Sisters to ride with – to take the step and find a group. Comradery and time with folks that you can connect to as a Veteran is invaluable.

Thunder Roads Ohio will be regularly featuring Veterans groups within the magazine and online. We will also be publishing a VETERANS RIDE GUIDE for the STATE OF OHIO in 2019. This will include Veteran Oriented motorcycle events and organizations across Ohio – including a calendar covering the entire riding season. It’s our goal to help support countless charitable organizations, events, and the veterans they serve with this program.

For information on how your organization or event can be included in upcoming Veterans features or in the VETERANS RIDE GUIDE, email us at ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com

American Legion Riders American Legion Riders chapters are well known for their charitable work, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children's hospitals, schools, veterans’ homes, severely wounded service members and scholarships. Since 2006, riders nationwide have participated in the Legion Legacy Run, to annually raise money for the Legacy Scholarship Fund, established to provide scholarships to children of U.S. military personnel killed since Sept. 11, 2001.

There are chapters across Ohio. You can visit the group page on Facebook, American Legion Riders of Ohio – or visit your local American Legion for more information.

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For more information, visit www.Legion.org

You can also visit online at – www.Legion.org/Riders

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The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans’ organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans. Hundreds of local American Legion programs and activities strengthen the nation one community at a time.

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Chained Eagles of Ohio Chained Eagles was created by 4 Viet Nam Vets - Jim Rainsburg, Doug Howard, Gary McCoy Sr. and Rex Schoonover in response to the Vietnam POW/MIA issue. The mission was to account for all men listed as missing and yet may still be alive. We created the Ohio POW/MIA Wall to honor the men from Ohio and to keep educating the people to not allow this to happen again.

Each year we host a Poker Run out of Jim’s Harley in Mendon Ohio to raise money for our Annual Dayton VA picnic. We offer a hot meal, entertainment and gifts in appreciation of their sacrifices. The gifts range from personal hygiene items to new clothes. Everything we take down stays for the Vets. We also go down for Bingo a few times during the year. We can do all this, thanks to the support we receive from the poker run, donations and other fundraisers. The Chained Eagles don’t keep any of the money raised.

We also help other local organizations and events that help Veterans as well. We do our best to take the Wall to as many places as we can for awareness and to honor all Veterans.

The biggest mistake people make about the Chained Eagles is they think we are a Motorcycle Club. We are a non-profit organization. A lot of us ride and we consider that a privilege because of the Veterans that fought for our freedoms. The other is we are not “the Chained Eagles”. Our organization is named for “the Chained Eagles” that didn’t come home. We all have a patch on our vest with the name of the soldier that we stand for.

You can contact us on Facebook - Chained

Eagles of Ohio.

BRING THEM ALL HOME

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association We are an Association of Combat Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who ride motorcycles as a hobby. Our mission now is to support and defend those who have defended our country and our freedoms.

made it our mission to support Veterans dealing with Combat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injuries and other Combat-related traumas.

Our membership is comprised of Full Members (those with verified combat service) and Supporter Members (those who have non-combat military service and have a sincere dedication to helping veterans). Many members continue to serve in our Armed Forces, with several serving in combat areas now.

Veterans interested in learning more about Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association can visit:

www.combatvet.us

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association has over 250 Chapters in all 50 states, along with 2 in Germany and 1 in South Korea.

One of the great aspects of this organization is that each Chapter can decide which Veteran issue(s) they wish to focus on to best serve our nation’s heroes in their respective Veteran community.

On Facebook, you can find us at CVMA Ohio Chapter 12-7

The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Ohio Chapter 12-1 is in the greater Columbus are, serving Central Ohio. Our mission is to help Veterans Care Facilities like the Fisher House, Save A Warrior, and Mission 22. The Fisher House is a home away from home for veterans, active duty, and their families providing a warm loving environment for them to stay in while their family member is in the hospital.

Save A Warrior and Mission 22 set to help stop veterans suicide.

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Ohio Chapter 12-7 serving the greater Cleveland area, has THUNDER ROADS® ROADS® OHIO OHIO MAGAZINE MAGAZINE THUNDER

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VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS “Our major function is to publicize

Rolling Thunder Incorporated in 1995, Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is a class 501(c)(4) non-profit organization with over 90 chartered chapters throughout the United States and members abroad. While many members of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. are veterans and many ride motorcycles, neither qualification is a prerequisite.

Rolling Thunder®, Inc. members are old and young, men and women, veterans and non-veterans. All are united in the cause to bring full accountability for Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) of all wars, reminding the government, the media and the public by our watchwords: “We Will Not Forget.”

the POW/MIA issue, to educate the public of the fact that many American prisoners of war were left behind after all past wars, to help correct the past and to protect the future veterans from being left behind should they become Prisoners of War/Missing in Action. We are committed to helping American veterans from all wars.”

Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 1 Ohio Meetings are the 3rd Sunday of the Month @ 2pm VFW Post 6768 8584 Olde Route 8 Northfield, OH 44067 www.rollingthunder1ohio.org Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 Ohio Meetings are the 1st Sunday of the Month 1pm VFW Post 3383 690 West Waterloo Road Akron, OH 44314 www.rollingthunderchapter2ohio.com

Rolling Thunder Ohio Announces 2020 Event Rolling Thunder’s six Ohio Chapters and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum have announced that Rolling Thunder OHIO will take place on May 24, 2020 in Columbus. The official announcement was made at the 2019 AIMEXPO in Columbus and was made alongside General Michael Ferriter, CEO and President of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum – also in Columbus.

General Michael Ferriter, CEO and president of the NVMM said, “Columbus has wholeheartedly embraced this major event. As home to the American Motorcyclist Association and AIM Expo, this town knows how to welcome riders. To do so in a way that remembers the fallen, respects the Rolling Thunder traditions and supports the NVMM and other veteran causes is something that we have worked hard to make happen.”

“We are within a 425-mile day’s ride to millions of motorcyclists.

We expect dozens of Rolling Thunder chapters from all over the Midwest to join us in Columbus next Memorial Day weekend at our event on May 24, 2020,” said Ty Geiser of Rolling Thunder Ohio.

(Quotes and some information from motorcyclepowersportsnews. com) 38

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VFW Riders

Northfield VFW Riders

We are a Riders Club comprised of VFW members. This includes Veterans, Auxiliary & SocialMembers. You must belong to a VFW to join the Riders Club. We enjoy riding with others with a common theme in mind. Our mission is to raise awareness for all VFW Posts, Post 6768 Northfield, Veterans, Active Duty Service Men & Women. We raise monies to donate to Veteran Organizations. We have escorted a Congressional Medal of Honor Winner. We escort funerals of Veterans. We attend functions to help educate people as to what belonging to a VFW is all about.

Northfield VFW Post 6768 Riders Club is 1 of 2 approved VFW Riders Clubs, in the State of Ohio, by the National VFW Governing Body. We always look to add new members that have the same interests as our group. Helping Veterans, enjoying rides, and bringing awareness to the VFW is what we are about.

VFW Riders Post 3762

For more info go to www.facebook.com/ NORTFIELDVFWRIDERSGROUP/

335 Veterans Way, Washington Court House OH 43160 On Facebook as VFW Riders Post 3762 Hosts of the NEVER SAY NO TO VETERANS Poker Run. (2nd Annual held on June 2, 2018) and Custom Harley Give-Away to benefit local Veterans in need.

VFW Post 6768 8584 Olde 8, Northfield OH 44067 VFW6768.com

The Northfield VFW Post 6768 Riders spend time riding, raising awareness for Veterans, raising awareness for the VFW, and hosting events to raise monies for Veterans.

Our number 1 charity to donate to is the Harry J Donovan Jr. Valor Home of Summit County. The Harry Donovan Jr. Valor Home of Summit County is a transitional housing program for homeless male veterans. They help their residents through structured and engaging therapies such as art, music and life skills therapy on-site four days a week. Their support workers offer advocacy and encouragement to all residents. The Harry Donovan Jr. Valor Home is a drug-free, alcohol-free, and smokefree facility. Valor Home provides support services to residents both on-site and in the community. Each resident is assigned a support worker. Daily routine includes self-improvement activities, exercises in selfsufficiency and personal time. We also support Dawn's Early Light, Hunter's Helping Hands & have donated to bringing the Traveling Vietnam Wall to Northfield.

We are accepting applications for membership. Please contact Greg Findura, 216-310-9276, with any questions.

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VETERANS SERVICES DIRECTORY VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS ADAMS CTY VETERANS SERVICE COMMISSION 10835 STATE ROUTE 41 WEST UNION, OH 45693 937-544-5005 WWW.ADAMSCOUNTYOHIO.GOV AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR- DEPT OF OHIO 10070 LARIMER RD. LOGAN, OH 43138 740-385-8995 WWW.AVSOPS.COM AMERICAN GOLD STAR MOTHERS 513-309-1162 WWW.GOLDSTARMOMS.COM AMERICAN LEGION- DEPT OF OHIO 60 BIG RUN RD. PO BOX 8007 DELAWARE, OH 43015 740-362-7478 WWW.OHIOLEGION.COM AMERICAN LEGION PORTAGE POST 496 1945 MOGADORE KENT, OH 44240 330-673-9743 WWW.KENTAMERICANLEGION.ORG AMVETS DEPT OF OHIO 1395 E DUBLIN GRANVILLE RD. SUITE 222 COLUMBUS, OH 43229 614-431-6990 EXT. 101 WWW.OHAMVETS.ORG AMVETS RIDERS CHAPTER 71 4829 INDUSTRY DR. FAIRFIELD, OH 45014 513-858-3079 AMVETS RIDERS OF OHIO 5985 SR 56 ATHENS, OHIO 45701 740-590-1577 WWW.OHIOAMVETSRIDERS.ORG ARMY AND NAVY UNION USA INC- DEPT OF OHIO 2362 EARL ST NILES, OH 44446 330-652-8746 BLUE STAR MOTHERS OF AMERICA OHIO CHAPTER WWW.BLUESTARMOTHERS.ORG CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS- DEPT OF OHIO 35 E. CHESTNUT ST. 5TH FLOOR, SUITE 510 COLUMBUS, OH 43215 614-221-7601 WWW.DEPTOH.CWV.ORG CHILLICOTHE VA MEDICAL CENTER 17273 STATE ROUTE 104 CHILLICOTHE, OH 45601 740-773-1141 WWW.CHILLICOTHE.VA.GOV CINCINNATI VA MEDICAL CENTER 3200 VINE ST. CINCINNATI, OH 45220 513-861-3100 WWW.CINCINNATI.VA.GOV CLEVELAND VA MEDICAL CENTER 10701 EAST BLVD. CLEVELAND, OH 44106 216-791-3800 WWW.CLEVELAND.VA.GOV COMBAT VETS 12-1 CENTRAL OHIO 6956 E. BROADWAY ST. COLUMBUS, OH 42313 740-404-9786 WWW.OHIOCVMA.ORG

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DAYTON VA MEDICAL CENTER 4100 WEST 3RD ST. DAYTON, OH 45428 937-268-6511 WWW.DAYTON.VA.GOV

NORTHEAST OHIO FOUNDATION FOR PATRIOTISM 9321 OXFORD AVE. CLEVELAND, OH 44111 216-403-7549 WWW.NEOPAT.ORG

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS- DEPT OF OHIO 35 E. CHESTNUT ST. 5TH FLOOR, SUITE 503 COLUMBUS, OH 43215 614-221-3582 WWW.OHIODAV.ORG

NORTHFIELD VFW POST 6768 8584 OLDE 8 RD. NORTHFIELD, OH 44067 WWW.VFWPOST6768.COM

GEAUGA CTY VETERANS SERVICE COMMISSION 470 CENTER ST. BUILDING #50-B CHARDON, OH 44024 440-279-1860 HTTPS://VETS.CO.GEAUGA.OH.US

OHIO NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION 1299 VIRGINIA AVE. COLUMBUS, OH 43212 614-486-4186 HTTPS://NGAOH.ORG

GOLD STAR WIVES OF AMERICA, INC 1-888-751-6350 WWW.GOLDSTARWIVES.ORG

ROLLING THUNDER OHIO CHAPTER 1 VFW POST 6768 8584 OLDE ROUTE 8 NORTHFIELD, OH 44067 WWW.ROLLINGTHUNDER1OHIO.ORG

HENRY COUNTY VETERAN SERVICES 1855 OAKWOOD AVE. NAPOLEON, OH 43545 419-592-4016 WWW.HENRYCOUNTYOHIO.COM

ROLLING THUNDER OHIO CHAPTER 2 VFW POST 3383 690 WEST WATERLOO RD. AKRON, OH 44314 ROLLINGTHUNDERCHAPTER2OHIO.COM

JEWISH WAR VETERANS 5519 NAICHE RD. COLUMBUS, OH 43213 202-265-6280 WWW.JWV.ORG

SAM CENTER SERVING AREA MILITARY, VETERANS & WIDOWS 413 LINCOLN WAY EAST MASSILLON, OH 44646 330-956-6162 WWW.SERVINGAREAMILITARY.COM

KOREAN WAR VETERANS ASSOC. INC 3296 BLUEACRES DR. CINCINNATI, OH 45239 217-345-4414 HTTPS://KWVA.US MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 35 E. CHESTNUT ST. 5TH FLOOR, SUITE 504 COLUMBUS, OH 43215 614-464-1775 WWW.MCLOHIO,ORG MIAMI VALLEY MILITARY HISTORY MUSEUM 120 OHIO AVE BUILDING 120 DAYTON, OH 45428 937-267-7629 WWW.MVMHM.COM MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOC. OF AMERICA OHIO CHAPTER OF COUNCILS 483 HUNT VALLEY DR. REYNOLDSBURG, OH 43068 614-864-8165 WWW.MOAA.ORG MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART- DEPT OF OH 35 E. CHESTNUT ST. 5TH FLOOR COLUMBUS, OH 43215 614-228-8250 WWW.PURPLEHEART.ORG MILITARY VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER 6500 BUSCH BLVD. SUITE 255 COLUMBUS, OH 43229 614-230-0662 WWW.MILVETRC.ORG MILVETS PO BOX 311 WORTHINGTON, OH 43085 614-785-9002 FAX WWW.MILVETSOHIO.ORG MONTGOMERY COUNTY VETERAN SERVICES 4TH FLOOR EAST MEDICAL PLAZA 627 EDWIN C. MOSES BLVD. DAYTON, OH 45417 937-225-4801 WWW.MCVSC.ORG

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U.S. VETERANS MC OHIO – STATE CHAPTER 717 W. XENIA DR. FAIRBORN, OH 45324 WWW.USVMC.COM U.S. VETERANS MC – WILMINGTON PO BOX 585 WILMINGTON, OH 45177 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS 35 E. CHESTNUT ST. 5TH FLOOR, SUITE 506 COLUMBUS, OH 43215 614-224-1838 WWW.VFW.ORG VFW AUXILIARY OF OHIO 35 E. CHESTNUT ST. #410 COLUMBUS, OH 43215 614-227-0358 WWW.OHIOVFW.ORG VFW POST 7570 9160 LAWRENCEBURG RD. HARRISON, OH 45030 513-367-6633 WWW.HARRISONVFW.ORG VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA BUCKEYE COUNCIL 35 E CHESTNUT ST. 5TH FLOOR, SUITE 501 COLUMBUS, OH 43215 614-228-0188 WWW.VVAOHIO.COM WASHINGTON CTY VETERANS SERVICE COMMISSION 706 PIKE ST. #1 MARIETTA, OH 45750 740-568-9009 WOMENS ARMY CORPS VETERANS ASSOC. COLUMBUS CHAPTER 2400 OLDE SAWMILL BLVD. DUBLIN, OH 43016 614-766-5935 WWW.ARMYWOMEN.ORG

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SPECIAL OFFERS FOR VETERANS Featured Veterans Events in November: MAPS Veterans Celebration VII Saturday, November 9, 2019 4:30pm-8pm MAPS Air Museum 2260 International Pkwy, North Canton OH 44720

FREE MEALS FOR VETERANS 2019 Free Meals These are offers that have been announced at the time that we’ve gone to print. Check us online – ThunderRoadsOhio.com and on facebook (www.facebook.com/ ThunderRoadsOhio) for an updated list as the date nears and offers are announced. Most offers are announced in late October early November.

Applebee’s

The MAPS Air Museum will host a Veterans Day program and buffet that will honor F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Kevin "Sonny" Sonnenberg. KIA Iraq 6/15/07. He served with the 112th Fighter Squadron "Stingers", 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard.

Veterans and Active Duty Military can select a free meal from a limited menu on Veteran’s Day. Provide proof of service required.

Baker’s Square All veterans and active duty service members receive a free meal on Veterans Day (Nov. 11).

During the program the F-16 here at MAPS will be dedicated to him. The event is open to the public. 4:30PM to 8:00PM. The museum will remain open until 9:00PM.

Chili’s Grill & Bar

Wills for Vets

Golden Corral

All veterans and active duty military personnel can choose a complimentary meal from a select menu on Veterans Day 2019.

On Monday, November 11th, 2019 from 5 PM to 9 PM, Golden Corral offers a free sit-in “thank you” dinner for Military veterans, retirees, and active duty members.

Saturday, Nov 9th, 2019 Dayton VA 4100 W Third St., Dayton OH Building 305 from 10:00am - 1:15pm

Houlihan’s

The Dayton Bar Association is pleased to announce that area Veterans can obtain free wills and other estate planning documents at this event. If interested, it is strongly encouraged you RSVP by dialing the number below to secure your appointment time. For more information or to sign up please contact: Chris Albrektson | (937) 222-7902 or calbrektson@ daybar.org.

Receive a free entree from a select menu on Veteran’s Day 11/11 with proof of veteran status or active service in the military.

Veteran’s Appreciation Day at Rock-nRoll City Harley-Davidson

All active and retired military service members are invited to enjoy a free meal from O’Charley’s. Veterans can choose from O’Charley’s “Veterans Thank You Menu” all day on November 11 simply by showing their military IDs. Restaurant participation may vary by location. O’Charley’s also offers military discount of 10 percent off all year long.

Saturday, November 16, 11am-3pm Rock N Roll Harley-Davidson 4985 West 150th St, Cleveland OH 44135 In-Store Poker Run, Cookout, and Silent Auction. (Bidding Begins at 11am, Closes at 3pm) All proceeds from the day will benefit Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association – serving local Vets.

Ohio Veteran’s Memorial Park Annual Tree Lighting Saturday, December 7, 2019 5-7pm Ohio Veteran’s Memorial Park 8005 Cleveland-Massillon Road, Clinton OH 44216 Come join us as Santa arrives on the firetruck for cookies, cocoa, and Christmas Carols.

Bring an ornament in honor of our HEROES and place on the tree. Please bring a NEW UNWRAPPED toy for donation.

Wrapping paper, bows, and tape are appreciated as well. For more information contact OVMP 330-529-4001 info@ovmp.org ovmp.org You can also visit us on facebook.

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Mission BBQ Veterans and active duty will receive a free sandwich and slice of cake (while supplies lasts) on Veterans Day, 11/11/19.

O’Charley’s

Parma Pit Stop Half-Off all Food Orders for Veterans!

Red Robin All Veterans and Active Duty Military get a free dine-in Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veterans Day 11/11.

VFW’s Many VFW Posts will have special offers and programs for Veteran’s Day. Check out your local posts on facebook for details. For instance, VFW Post 2629 in Aurora will be offering FREE Appetizers for Vets all day.

Zeppe’s On Veteran’s Day – All Veterans and Active Duty military receive a complimentary 6-cut Zeppe’s Pizza with one topping. Proof of service required. Available for pick-up or dine-in.

Code:VET191

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