A Medford, Oregon, shop presented a customized motorcycle to a wounded combat veteran, according to a report from NBC affiliate KOBI 5. The veteran lost his hand in combat and had been unable to ride a motorcycle.
U.S. Army veteran David Sterling said he was excited to get back to a hobby he loves after so many years, according to the report.
The motorcycle, donated by Combat Hero Bike Build, is valued at approximately $70,000, the report noted.
Sterling conveyed his deep appreciation, saying, “gratitude is gratitude, but there’s no way to put into words what it means.”
Sterling served as a soldier in Afghanistan and faced a life-altering event when the vehicle he was in was struck by a grenade that led to the amputation of his right hand.
Combat Hero Bike Build president John Barker noted Sterling’s valor, stating, “he received the Silver Star out of this incident, and the Purple Heart. His lieutenant got injured. He lost his arm, shrapnel in his face, his back, his legs, and in his neck.”
After returning to the states minus a hand, the former soldier strived for self-sufficiency but certain activities like motorcycle rides with his wife remained out of reach until Combat Hero Bike Build stepped in.
The organization, which operates primarily through donations, provides wounded veterans with custom bikes at no cost to them, according to the report.
“When we started out we’d do one bike a year because that’s all the money we had,” Barker said. “Now, we’re up to five or six bikes a year across the United States. This will be the first unveiling in Medford.”
Thunderstruck Custom Bikes, a Medford-based company, collaborated with the organization for a decade. They are set to showcase Sterling’s bike at their upcoming event.
“They do amazing work, and that kind of stuff isn’t free,” the grateful soldier said. “It takes money and energy and time and effort and so there’s a lot of hands involved making this possible and making this dream come true.”
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