Motorcycle riders raise funds for USO

In an effort to help and support American troops overseas, hundreds of motorcycle riders gathered at the Orlando Harley-Davidson South, from which they rode 77 miles through Central Florida during the 14th Annual USO Benefit Ride on September 15th.

The event, organized by the Greater Jacksonville Area USO, supports the United Services Organization and provides for the distribution of over 12,000 Care Packages to deployed service members each year. It also provides more than $1 million annually of “in-kind” services through a wide variety of programs.

According to Mike O’Brien, Executive Director of the Greater Jacksonville Area USO, the organization is 100% self-supported with a few employees and relies on the help of volunteers.

“There are volunteer opportunities throughout the course of the year and that’s critical to our mission. It keeps down our costs and supports the military directly, but also financially,” said Brian to Score Inc in an interview.

Brian explained that the care packages are a “just a little touch of home to let the troops know that we’re thinking about them, praying for them, and it keeps them connected to family home and country.”

“Our troops give up (something) every day. The sacrifices they make, the sacrifices their families make for all of us, for our freedom. Supporting them is the core of the mission of the USO,” concluded Brian.

The 14th Annual USO Benefit Ride included music, games, booths, and auctions. Guest speaker and television personality Trooper Steve made an appearance and shared his experience in the military and with the USO care packages.

To donate or volunteer for the USO, visit www.jaxuso.org.

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