Great story!! Aging veteran embarks on one more mission of patriotism

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.wistv.com/story/15009997/aging-veteran-embarks-on-one-more-mission-of-patriotism
Aging veteran embarks on one more mission of patriotism

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - A World War II and Korean War veteran is still on a mission to honor the country and the flag. He's using his motorcycle to do it, despite being almost 90 years old.
Since he was a teenager, nothing has separated 88-year-old Bernie Shankman from the open road. Not two wars, a hip replacement or his age have kept him from his bike. "The freedom of it," said Shankman. "I've been riding since 1939."
Since he was 16, actually. And when he went off to war, so did his hobby. It turns out motorcycles come in handy when hunting tanks. "They put me on a motorcycle as a scout back in 1943," said Shankman.
On Friday, he'll again use his passion to serve. This time, the mission is to get a flag to Charleston.
It once flew over Afghanistan, but in a few months it will have been through 48 states. It's part of the Patriot Tour, a campaign to drum up donations for the families of wounded and fallen warriors. "It's just breathtaking to see it come in, all those bikes and the flag," said Audrey Navarre. "I mean, the same thing going out, it just makes you feel really proud."
Navarre, of Harley Haven, received the flag Thursday morning from volunteers riding from Georgia. And who better to carry it to Charleston than the state's oldest Harley Ownership Group member? "He just keeps going strong," said Navarre. "He's like the Energizer Bunny!"
"It's a wonderful feeling," said Shankman. "It's so patriotic to be able to do this and to honor the flag and to honor these wounded soldiers that are going through so much."
Shankman hits the road Friday morning, still serving at 88 by doing what he loves most.