5th Annual DAV Ride. The DAV (Disabled American Veterans Blackhawk chapter #29 - Rockford 501 C4) is once again partnering with the VTC (Veterans Transitional Center- Freeport 501 C3) to enrich the lives of our Disabled Veterans by assisting veterans back into society. Many riders from across the states of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin join efforts to help raise money to assist our veterans throughout the United States We have a Silent Auction, 50-50 Raffles, Street dance and daytime activities.

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The DAV (Disabled American Veterans Blackhawk chapter #29 501 C4) is once again partnering with the VTC (Veterans Transitional Center- Freeport 501 C3) to enrich the lives of our Disabled Veterans by assisting veterans back into society. Many riders from across the states of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin join efforts to help raise money to assist our veterans throughout the United States.

The event committee consists of:  Scott McLain (Disabled Veteran) – Event Manager, Debbie Yoder and Denise Sorn – Auction/Grant Coordinators.

With establishments determining their donation budget for the calendar year 2019, we hope that you commit to donating to our event.  Your donation is tax deductible and helps our veterans get the help needed. Last year’s event we were able to raise $12K with 100% of proceeds donated directly to helping our veterans. We are hoping to increase this year’s donation by 50%. With your help we can accomplish this goal.

With 186,000 Veterans transitioning out of the military each year. That’s roughly 4,000 coming back to each state in a given year. There are 643,000 Veterans living in Illinois & 367,227 Veterans living in Wisconsin. The US Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that PTSD afflicts almost 32% of Vietnam veterans. 10% from the Gulf War (Dessert Storm) and 11% veterans from the war in Afghanistan.

This past year the DAV/VTC has helped 861 veterans and their families receiving both financial, educational and healthcare benefits.  Assisted 11 homeless veterans with furniture of which 5 were single female veterans with 4 children. Helped 389 veterans suffering from PTSD & TBI and driven over 39,520 miles and had 5925 Volunteer hours and advocated on behalf of all veterans with state and federal representatives for the rights and benefits of all veterans.

With your generous donation we can increase the number of veterans we are able to assist. If you donated in the previous years, your generosity is greatly appreciated and we hope that we can count on you again this year. All we ask is that you donate a product, service and/or monetary donation to this great cause and together we can accomplish assisting additional veterans and families in need. All Checks should be issued to the DAV Life Chapter #29 or Veterans Transitional Center (501C3).

We are expecting over 400 attendees this year at the event. 

Please view our Facebook pages for past postings of our event:  DAV Ride, Veterans Transitional Center (Freeport) and DAV Blackhawk Life Chapter 29 (Rockford).