Our History

2Wheels4Heroes first event was a motorcycle ride on Saturday June 7th, 2008. Staff members at Lino Lakes Correctional Facility suggested Marty and Mark put together a ride for fun. It was proposed that this inaugural ride should have a cause behind it. Marty was a veteran of "Desert Storm", he told a story about how his family had received a $100 grocery gift card while he was deployed.

Mark and Marty made the first donation of $100 each. Their donation kickoff inspired others to contribute. It didn't take long to raise $900 for the families of deployed employee's.

It was decided that the ride would not ask for registration fee's, because this was meant for fun. At the start of the ride the prison Chaplain Marchelle volunteered to bless the ride. At that time a helmet was passed for those who wanted to donate, and the generosity was overwhelming.

It turned out to be the perfect day for a ride, warm and sunny. They rode the back roads from Lino Lakes to St. Paul Harley for their open house and bike show. From there they stopped at deployed Soldiers homes and presented the spouses with $450 gift card for groceries. The kickstands were up, back on the road they went.  The group enjoyed a few stops along the way for refreshments and sight seeing.  The last stop on the ride was a barbecue. 

2Wheels4Heroes was given a last minute challenge. Whatever financial contributions were collected, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union would triple the amount.  The money was going to help a young soldier who had just returned home with a new challenge of his own, he had lost both of his legs in his deployment.  Local banks, unions and companies were building him a home that would accommodate his needs. Passing the helmet again and an auction of donated gifts, 2Wheels4Heroes raised $400. Affinity Federal Credit Union donated $1200 in the name of these great volunteers.

2Wheels4Heroes has been serving veterans families and enriching their lives since 2008. We couldn't do it without the support from our sponsors and volunteers!  We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to 2Wheels4Heroes including Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Northway Sports, Cub Foods and many more!

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