Charity Ride Saturday For Paralyzed Army Ranger

Posted Nov 25, 2011 by Howard Altman

Updated Nov 25, 2011 at 09:42 AM

Every four months, a group of motorcyle riders, organized by Operation American Pride, delivers a flag and donations to a deserving wounded vet or injured first responder.

This quarter’s ride, according to Operation American Pride, will be for an Army Ranger wounded responding to a call for help.

On June 1, 2009, Army Ranger Staff Sgt. Dustin Magner was responding to a call for help from another squad when his vehicle hit an IED killing three and severely wounding Magner and several of his teammates. Magner suffered severe burst fractures from an IED along his spine; leaving him completely paralyzed.

Upon return to the United States, Magner received financial and medical disability benefits from the Veterans Administration, but these benefits only cover a small portion of the day-to-day living expenses. His wife and son are responsible for supporting their paralyzed husband and father, with only Rebecca’s income as an Army 1st Lieutenant for living expenses.
Magner’s doctors have recommended a revolutionary new form of Spinal Treatment using stem cell technology, which costs more than $50,000. The Magners have no way of covering the cost of the treatment.

Operation American Pride in conjunction with Rolling Thunder, Florida Chapter 11, is leading an effort to honor Magner’s service and contribute to the costs of this treatment by holding a motorcycle ride on November 26, 2011, in North Dale Mabry, Tampa.

Registration starts at 9:00 AM from four different locations throughout the greater Tampa Bay Area with kick stands up at 10:30 AM with everyone arriving at O’Briens Irish Pub, 15435 N. Dale Mabry HWY, Tampa, FL 33618. The registration/departure points are as follows:

North     New Port Richey, Harley Davidson, 5817 SR 54, New Port Richey, FL 34652
South     AMVETS Post 301, 2443 US HWY 301 N., Ellenton, FL 34222
East       AMVETS Post 44, 318 Pauls Drive, Brandon, FL 33511
West     American Legion Post 273, 600 American Legion Drive, Madeira Beach, FL 33708

The event will be hosted by Party Patti with Live Music provided by Modern Mayhem. Cost is $15 per rider (meal included) and $5 per passenger.  The event is hosted by O’Briens Irish Pub, Tampa; Dustin, Rebecca, and Son James, along with Mr. Michael Whitt, Operation American Pride.

Hearts to Heroes Foundation (Founder) Brig. Gen. (USAF, Ret) Robert Holmes will be on hand to help raise funds and educate the public on the treatment he seeks for the sake of Magner, his family, friends and loved ones. 
 
For more information contact:
Clayton Murphy, tpamurphy@verizon.net
or Doug Hockenberry, energizerone@yahoo.com

Rolling Thunder, Inc
Florida, Chapter 11
PO Box 1996
Riverview, FL 33568-1996
Visit the Rolling Thunder website.