Another challenge

OFF THE WIRE
THE DIAMOND POSSE RIDES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SUPPORT OF AMERICA’S VETERANS
PRESS RELEASE
THE DIAMOND POSSE RIDES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SUPPORT OF AMERICA’S VETERANS
On May 16, 2010, five female motorcyclists with diverse backgrounds will depart on an epic journey from the Center for the Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas with one common mission; to give hope and encouragement to veterans who are facing challenges from having served. They also plan to increase awareness of the obstacles our veterans have and sacrifices they have made to defend our Nations freedom. Their goal is to provide encouragement and empowerment with additional avenues to assist them on their path to recovery. Along the way, the trip will take the women from the Center for the Intrepid to four VA Medical Centers in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas & to Iowa. Once they enter Wisconsin the women will join a motorcycle ride with Vietnam Veterans to do the LZ Lambeau honor ride leaving LaCrosse on May 21st. entering into Lambeau Field where the traveling Vietnam wall and museum will be set up. LZ Lambeau is a “homecoming” for many vets from the Vietnam War era who were never properly welcomed home. The Diamond Posse, as the five women are called, will end their journey on Saturday, May 22nd with a grand finale as they ride 100 miles from Green Bay to Milwaukee escorted by the New Glory Flag Bike Team to open Harley-Davidson’s Women Rider’s Celebration. Each of the women has a strong tie to motorcycling and to keeping motorcyclists safe on the road in addition to their desire to serve the Veterans who keep our country free and safe. Eldonna Lewis Fernandez retired Air Force Msgt , a Veteran herself, suffered the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and has dedicated her life to helping Veterans with PTSD. Cat Hammes, an RN, was involved in a motorcycle crash which resulted in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and amputation of her leg. She was told she would never ride again and now serves as an inspiration for all Veterans who have lost a limb or suffered TBI. Vicki Sanfelipo, the Founder of the Diamond Posse, in addition to being an EMT and an RN, manages a company that trains people how to reduce injuries and fatalities at motorcycle crash scenes. Amy Skaling travels to motorcycle events spreading happiness, smiles and “blings out” clothing and hats for riders, as well as participating in many motorcycle fundraisers. The final member, Bobbie Carlson, works for Cape Fox and Concentric Methods. Motorcycle Safety training for the active duty service members of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. All these women have been “Forged Under Pressure,” thus creating the Diamond in Diamond Posse.
At each VA Medical Center, the Diamond Posse will be visiting veterans and sharing their hope and encouragement. They will be stopping at the local Harley-Davidson Dealers who will coordinate efforts host a fund-raising and awareness event where the Diamond Posse will talk with local Veterans, local riders and media. All funds generated before the event and during the ride will go to the Fallen Heroes Fund which funds the Center for the Intrepid. To learn more, donate or to sponsor the ride (proceeds go to Fallen Hero’s), visit http://diamondposse.us/contribute.html .