Hogs and Heroes: Wounded Veterans Explore Harley-Davidson Museum
Wounded warriors with a passion for motorcycle riding recently received a VIP tour of the Harley-Davidson® Museum in Milwaukee.
The visit was part of a Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) mental health program called Rolling Project Odyssey®. Fueled by Harley-Davidson® since 2015, Rolling Project Odyssey is a unique motorcycle group riding experience that aims to support warriors in their recoveries from invisible wounds of war.
During their visit, warriors learned about the nearly 120-year history of Harley-Davidson, including the company’s military-era motorcycles and legacy of supporting the armed forces. In addition to the museum tour, the warriors explored the company’s official archives, which house 300 vintage Harley-Davidson vehicles and hundreds of thousands of objects, ranging from marketing materials to company memorandums.
“The history of Harley-Davidson is just amazing,” said Deven Schei, an Army veteran and Warriors Speak spokesperson for WWP, who attended the tour. “It was an awesome experience that we won’t ever forget.”
Following the tour, the warriors learned about Harley-Davidson’s iconic Milwaukee Eight engine and transmission during an Engines 101 class. The company also treated the veterans to lunch at the museum’s restaurant and gift cards to buy souvenirs at the gift shop.
“Harley-Davidson’s commitment to the military is huge,” said Harvey Paige, a fellow Army veteran who also participated in the experience. “And their partnership with Wounded Warrior Project helps save lives.”
Rolling Project Odyssey is just one component of a larger partnership between WWP and Harley-Davidson to help veterans and raise critical support for WWP’s life-changing mental health programs. In addition to Rolling Project Odyssey, Operation Personal Freedom™ includes:
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New co-branded apparel: Harley-Davidson recently released new WWP co-branded apparel online and in select dealerships. The company will donate 10% of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of every item sold to the veterans nonprofit.
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Consumer donation campaign: Harley-Davidson customers and WWP supporters can honor and empower warriors and their families by giving back in select stores and online through Nov. 14. Warriors and their families never pay a penny for any WWP program or services because they already paid their dues on the battlefield.
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Dealership events: Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country will host fundraisers and connection events benefitting WWP. Contact your local dealership for more information.
Learn more about how you can support the mental health of wounded warriors and their families.
Contact: Jon Blauvelt — Public Relations, jblauvelt@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.426.9756
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.