Saturday’s hot, humid weather failed to deter over 125 riders from participating in a ride to help area Veterans coping with PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. They left American Legion Post 210 in Danville and wound across roads leading through Crawfordsville and Rockville, Indiana before stopping in Westville and returning to Danville.
It was the third annual ‘Merrell Memorial Ride for PTSD’ hosted by Danville American Legion Post 210.
Jenny Lou Merrell of Danville formed the group ‘Working Out PTSD’ after losing a son to it…
{”After I lost Aaron I thought ‘what could I do to help other Veterans that are returning with PTSD?’ I just came up with – well, maybe I can pay for some gym memberships. With that being the first thought I reached out to some business owners and eventually came up with the idea of just starting a whole organization to pay for gym memberships for all Veterans – in the hopes that it reaches some of the Veterans that really do need it. But, for the ones that don’t need it – or think they might not need it, at least it’s a thank-you for serving our country,” said Merrell during an interview with VermilionCountyFirst.com News.}
Merrell (shown on right in photo) thinks the rides are making a difference in the lives of Veterans…
{”I literally had a Veteran say one time: ‘this gym membership saved my life’. With that being said, if we go three years and it saves one Veteran’s life, and we can go another three years and save one more Veteran’s life – one life is worth it,” added Merrell.}
Merrell also noted there is good help available locally for Veterans who are dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder…
{”We have a VA that’s really doing a great job right now reaching out to our Veterans. And everyone’s taking it a lot more seriously now.”}
(Motorcycles line-up outside American Legion Post 210 in Danville before Saturday’s ride.)
In addition to raising money for gym memberships the ride also supports the Mission K-9 Warriors program which is sponsored by the American Legion Post in Georgetown.
