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Bikers celebrate veterans, flag

Star Beacon - 9/1/2018

Sept. 01--ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP -- A line of more than 50 motorcyclists rolled down Lake Road on Friday morning as "The Nation of Patriots" flag was escorted through Ashtabula County on a portion of a 14,500-mile trip through 48 states to help veterans and bring attention to the American flag.

"It hits all 48 (continental) states in the course of 110 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day," said Doug Roxberry, an Ashtabula firefighter, who helps coordinate this leg of the trip with the Erie Harley-Davidson Owner's Group.

Fundraising is done along the way that helps area veterans that need assistance, Roxberry said.

"If you raise at least $1,000, which we have for nine years, for your leg that money comes back to you," he said.

Roxberry said the Erie Veterans Administration is the go-between and many Ashtabula County veterans are served by the Erie VA.

An area veteran received assistance this year when a brain injury created memory problems that caused him to miss bill payments, Roxberry said. He said the veteran was given money to pay the overdue bills, as well as counseling. They also rebuilt his kitchen, which had been damaged by fire.

Roxberry said the organization also helps veterans that may run into trouble with the law through Veteran's Court.

The ride started around Memorial Day in Milwaukee and is nearing completion with each leg occurring, rain or shine, with motorcyclists joining in across the country.

Roxberry said the Erie motorcycle group coordinates the ride from Erie to Mentor and the Ashtabula American Legion Riders joined from Lake Shore Park to Kent State University Ashtabula where the group took a break.

ALR Vice President David Mackey said the organization is riding with the group for the second time. He said the Patriot flag emphasizes the importance of remembering veterans and also respect and proper treatment of the flag.

Dennis Miller, one of the ALR riders, said the ride is meant to be an "homage" and show "respect" to veterans.

According to the organization's website, it is a non-profit organization with 100 percent of donations going directly to veterans connected with VA facilities.

The flag bearer for the Mentor to Ashtabula ride was Mike Schleicher who served for five years in the U.S. Army and 25 years as a Millcreek police officer, Roxberry said.

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(c)2018 the Star Beacon (Ashtabula, Ohio)

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