BOISE, Idaho — Veterans Day has come and gone, but the pandemic made this year different with no parades or large gatherings for vets to come together.
However, on Saturday, Vets that Ride held a small gathering and a social distanced ride where bikers spaced out because this fundraiser is one of the biggest of the year for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 63 in Boise.
"This ride does have a lot of history, this is our 12th year," said Skulls, a Marine Corps veteran. "This ride is put on by vets for vets and all the proceeds go to the Post 63 VFW."
Last year Vets that Ride raised more than $40,000 for the VFW and many of those funds come from a raffle with most items donated by the community and local businesses helping a non-profit continue their mission.
"Our biggest thing is to fight for benefits in Washington D.C. for the VA benefits of all veterans," said Garrett Newman of the VFW Post 63. "Times are starting to get tough, and in the next few months, they are going to be tougher."
The VFW also helps locally with the Boise Rescue Mission and other programs like Christmas trees for vets.
These veterans ride for a good cause, but they also ride for each other and the freedom of cruising on the open road.
"Therapy is when I'm by myself, and group therapy is with my brothers, I love my brothers," said Skulls. "It is very dear to my heart to offer my time and services and volunteer to help."
Abate Idaho hosted the ride. That club was also instrumental in getting legislation passed, making it illegal for law enforcement to profile bikers who don't break the law. Idaho became the fourth state to pass an anti-profiling statute.
