Based on horsemanreader survey in 2022, 30% of our readers are active-duty military or veterans. We all love the freedom and excitement of riding a motorcycle, but for many veterans, riding a motorcycle also serves a therapeutic purpose. Cory Angell, a retired lieutenant colonel in the US Army and a member of the Pennsylvania VFW, District 29 Riders, shares this story about the healing powers of Wheels 4 Warriors and VFW Riders.
Jesse Cunningham served in the United States Army as a military police officer. His combat tours in Iraq were extensive and caused changes to him and his life. Now he helps veterans across the country journey to a better place by riding a motorbike.
“I was back from my first tour and I couldn’t connect with the world here,” Cunningham said. “So I went right back and did it again. It just feels easier to be there.
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Faced with problems adjusting to – and a family that could see the effects – Cunningham left the military and began to seek healing.
“I worked for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, where I met a Vietnam veteran,” says Cunningham. “It’s not just horse riding. I have a mentor, a veteran who has helped me in other ways – in ways that only a veteran can.”
Cunningham is the vice president of Wheels 4 Warriors, helping “Veterans go two-wheelers at once.” The Nebraska-based organization works with veterans organizations across the United States to establish mentoring programs. These programs provide veterans with the camaraderie, support, and sense of service lost after leaving the military.
In Pennsylvania, Wheels 4 Warriors helped Veterans in overseas wars, District 29 riders win a motorcycle for a veteran. The organization has gone further when it comes to considering veterans’ obligations and adding custom artwork to the motorcycle.
Pennsylvania VFW, District 29 riders president Anthony Warner said horseback riding seemed like a natural fit for a veteran.
“Many of us work on vehicles and do mechanical work,” he said. “Riding involves teamwork, safety and adrenaline. It’s a natural extension of us. When you leave the army, what will you do with that energy?”
Pennsylvania is not the only state. Rob Pedersen, President and Division President of VFW Riders Virginia, sees the same thing as the number of veterans riding increases.
“I’m a VFW and American Legion Rider Rider,” says Pedersen. “I love riding with like-minded people, but just getting hit in the face by the wind is enough to make me feel magical personally.”
Pedersen rode dirt bikes as a kid and got his first street bike, a 1983 Honda VT500C, in the late 80s. It was his go-to vehicle for many years. years, but then his life changed and he didn’t ride in 15 years.
“I didn’t realize how much I missed it and how it can relieve your stress,” says Pedersen. “I’ve seen shows about how riding helps PTSD and I believe that’s true.”
Related: Veteran goes on a 15,000-mile ‘Light Trip’
The positive effects of riding were measured in “Attention and stress regulation with stimulation: Mental and physical effects of motorcycling,” a study published in the journal Brain Research in 2021.
Dr Don Vaughn, the neuroscientist who led the research team, said: “Stress levels… continue to rise and people are discovering avenues to improve their physical and mental health. Surname. “The difference in the participants’ neurological and physiological responses between riding and other measured activities was quite pronounced. This can be very important for relieving everyday stress.”
While the study participants were riding, research has found that sensory processing and visual attention are enhanced, focus is increased, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol are lower.
Pedersen, Warner and Cunningham all agree – it’s not just about riding.
“The riders in Virginia with VFW and the American Legion have grown over the seven to eight years I have been with them,” says Pedersen. “Our Virginia riders have done a lot for their posts and communities. I imagine it is so wherever you go.
In Pennsylvania, Warner says it wants to reach people who have never ridden a car but are always thinking of trying it.
“Any veteran who wants to ride, we’re here to help,” Warner continued. “We aim for safety, like the military. We have training options for you and help you get your license.”
For more information, visit Wheel of 4 Warriors And Pennsylvania VFW . Racers websites.
