Harley Davidson partners with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) to support veterans suffering from PTSD, offering them therapeutic activities like motorcycle riding to help heal and regain independence.
Harley Davidson’s Commitment to Wounded Veterans
Harley Davidson has been supporting the heroes of our nation for over 100 years. Their collaboration with WWP provides veterans the opportunity to experience the healing benefits of motorcycle riding, a therapeutic activity for those suffering from PTSD. One in three service members is diagnosed with PTSD, and around 40% seek help.
The Operation Personal Freedom Collection
Matt Levatich, COO and President of Harley Davidson, expressed pride in the company’s long-standing support for service members and veterans. Their partnership with WWP continues this legacy by empowering veterans and helping them achieve freedom and independence through the Operation Personal Freedom Collection (OPFC). This collection supports WWP by donating 10% of the retail price to the organization.
WWP T-Shirts and Donations
Harley Davidson’s collaboration with WWP extends to the sale of specially designed t-shirts. The Wounded Warrior Stars & Stripes (WWSS) T-shirt is part of the OPFC, and with every purchase, 10% of the retail price is donated to WWP to support wounded veterans.
Surprising Veterans with 2015 Bikes
As part of their ongoing efforts, Harley Davidson surprised six veterans with new 2015 model bikes. This special delivery further strengthened the bond between Harley Davidson and WWP, offering a much-needed sense of joy and freedom to veterans suffering from PTSD.
The Gift of Freedom
Bill Davidson, the great-grandson of Harley Davidson’s co-founder, was among those who participated in the surprise delivery. Along with six other employees who are ex-servicemen, Bill rode the bikes in a police motorcade to the WWP headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, where the bikes were gifted to the veterans. The six chosen veterans, all diagnosed with PTSD, had either never owned a bike or lacked access to one due to financial difficulties.
John Roberts, EVP of Warrior Relations at WWP, highlighted the importance of companies like Harley Davidson, which understand the needs of veterans and work to support them. He emphasized that recreational activities like motorcycle riding can have significant therapeutic benefits for veterans suffering from PTSD.
Sources
- Wounded Warrior Project and Harley-Davidson Announce Operation Personal Freedom - PR Newswire official partnership announcement
- Harley-Davidson Wounded Warrior Project Collection - Harley-Davidson official Operation Personal Freedom page
- Mission Special Delivery: Harley-Davidson Surprises Vets with 2015 Motorcycles - WWP official coverage of the 2015 bike delivery event
- Harley-Davidson Partners With Wounded Warrior Project To Give Vets Motorcycles - Roadracing World news coverage
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