Adam Sandoval -- philanthropist and the force behind "Mission: Thank You" -- is on, you guessed it, a mission. No, not the kind where one travels around to “spread the good word,” but rather one to express the gratitude of the nation to our veteran warriors. In this case, the nation's gratitude looks an awful lot like a brand-spankin'-new Harley-Davidson powered by the equally new Milwaukee-Eight engine. For those of you unfamiliar with the brand, that puts the recipients on some of Harley's biggest and most expensive machines available this year, so this goes far beyond any kind of token offering.

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Mr. Sandoval proclaims, “I believe every American should be able to experience the profound freedom and camaraderie of motorcycle riding, especially those who risk their lives to protect ours.”

Personally, I can attest to that camaraderie having ridden with the Armed Forces M/C back in the '90s. Not only is there the motorcycle connection, but the military connection as well, and many of my friends are now members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association or similar clubs. Throttle therapy is real, folks. There's a reason you don't see many bikes parked in front of the shrink's office. The near-unbridled freedom and built-in support base really goes a long way toward helping our servicemen and women adjust to civilian life once again, plus it's just plain freakin' fun!

One such bike has just been awarded to Army veteran Charles Swank at the Black Hills Classic rally. Not only did Mr. Swank receive the Bronze Star for actions taken to save a soldiers live in Afghanistan, but he continues to safeguard lives as a firefighter in Dublin, Ohio. This is a real-life hero folks, and Harley-Davidson is all on board with the program.

Bill Davidson of the Davidson clan says, “I have to tell you, to honor our military is a very special thing. And for me to be involved? It’s very very special. Very emotional. I respect our military from all walks of life immensely. What they do day in and day out to protect everybody’s personal freedom is amazing.” Indeed. The boss set of wheels comes with passes to Harley's Riding Academy and a lifetime membership to the Harley Owner's Group for yet another group of friends and riding partners that he just hasn't met yet.

After being handed the keys, Mr. Swank said, “I was kinda speechless, I didn’t really know what to say… they kept it pretty secret, nobody let the cat out of the bag I guess you could say, so when they said my name, it was pretty overwhelming.”

I can just imagine. Enjoy your new ride dude, and keep it dirty-side down!

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