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Editor:
Serving and protecting the Soldiers and families of our Army is a core mission of our military police. For one Soldier stationed at Fort Leavenworth, this mission is just as important when serving our veterans and wounded warriors. Maj. Drew Deaton, an active-duty U.S. Army military police officer and member of American Legion Post 23 in Leavenworth, set a new standard for service and personal sacrifice when he planned, resourced and executed the “Honor the Sacrifice Ride” in mid-April.
Deaton, himself a combat veteran who continuously participates in veteran events with the American Legion Riders, saw this ride as a chance to give back to our service members who have made such incredible sacrifices for their country. In accordance with the rules set by the Iron Butt Association, a national organization that formally certifies long-distance motorcycle rides, Deaton set out to complete the “Bun Burner 1,500” ride, with a goal of actually completing 1,600 miles in 36 hours or less. Joining Deaton on the ride were Sgt. Lee Balling and retired Sgt. 1st Class John Witt, both on staff at the Military Correctional Complex.
The benefactor for Deaton’s ride, the Wounded Warrior Project, is a national, non-profit organization that provides “complete rehabilitative effort to assist Warriors as they recover and transition back to civilian life.”
Deaton’s vision was made possible through donations and the sponsorship of several organizations, including the Old West Chapter of the Military Police Regimental Association on Fort Leavenworth, the American Legion and Post 23 American Legion Riders, and Worth Harley-Davidson in Kansas City, Mo., who not only hosted the end of ride reception party but also donated a custom paint job on Deaton’s motorcycle by artist Chris Cofield of CC Customs to honor our warriors of all generations and further Deaton’s vision of future efforts to support our warriors and their families.
Leaving Kansas City at 12:42 a.m. on April15, Deaton and his team were headed to Lubbock, Texas. Meeting with extremely hazardous weather at the Oklahoma-Texas border, the team was forced to shorten their ride for safety reasons and shoot for the “Saddle Sore 1,000,” an IBA-sanctioned ride of 1,000 miles in 24 hours or less. Deaton arrived back at Worth Harley-Davidson, escorted by a group of American Legion Riders, at 12:41 a.m. April 16. Deaton completed a total of 1,089 miles in only 23 hours, qualifying for the IBA’s “Saddle Sore” certification and raising more than $2,000 in donations for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Marine Staff Sergeant Daniel Gilyeat, himself a wounded warrior from Operation Iraqi Freedom, and retired Col. Roger H.C. Donlon, Medal of Honor recipient, assisted with the closing ceremonies.
Maj. Ted Stokes
Fort Leavenworth
Editor:
Serving and protecting the Soldiers and families of our Army is a core mission of our military police. For one Soldier stationed at Fort Leavenworth, this mission is just as important when serving our veterans and wounded warriors. Maj. Drew Deaton, an active-duty U.S. Army military police officer and member of American Legion Post 23 in Leavenworth, set a new standard for service and personal sacrifice when he planned, resourced and executed the “Honor the Sacrifice Ride” in mid-April.
Deaton, himself a combat veteran who continuously participates in veteran events with the American Legion Riders, saw this ride as a chance to give back to our service members who have made such incredible sacrifices for their country. In accordance with the rules set by the Iron Butt Association, a national organization that formally certifies long-distance motorcycle rides, Deaton set out to complete the “Bun Burner 1,500” ride, with a goal of actually completing 1,600 miles in 36 hours or less. Joining Deaton on the ride were Sgt. Lee Balling and retired Sgt. 1st Class John Witt, both on staff at the Military Correctional Complex.
The benefactor for Deaton’s ride, the Wounded Warrior Project, is a national, non-profit organization that provides “complete rehabilitative effort to assist Warriors as they recover and transition back to civilian life.”
Deaton’s vision was made possible through donations and the sponsorship of several organizations, including the Old West Chapter of the Military Police Regimental Association on Fort Leavenworth, the American Legion and Post 23 American Legion Riders, and Worth Harley-Davidson in Kansas City, Mo., who not only hosted the end of ride reception party but also donated a custom paint job on Deaton’s motorcycle by artist Chris Cofield of CC Customs to honor our warriors of all generations and further Deaton’s vision of future efforts to support our warriors and their families.
Leaving Kansas City at 12:42 a.m. on April15, Deaton and his team were headed to Lubbock, Texas. Meeting with extremely hazardous weather at the Oklahoma-Texas border, the team was forced to shorten their ride for safety reasons and shoot for the “Saddle Sore 1,000,” an IBA-sanctioned ride of 1,000 miles in 24 hours or less. Deaton arrived back at Worth Harley-Davidson, escorted by a group of American Legion Riders, at 12:41 a.m. April 16. Deaton completed a total of 1,089 miles in only 23 hours, qualifying for the IBA’s “Saddle Sore” certification and raising more than $2,000 in donations for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Marine Staff Sergeant Daniel Gilyeat, himself a wounded warrior from Operation Iraqi Freedom, and retired Col. Roger H.C. Donlon, Medal of Honor recipient, assisted with the closing ceremonies.
Maj. Ted Stokes
Fort Leavenworth
