by Amy Modesti
On Saturday morning, July 30, over 300 motorcyclists, including members of the Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Warren County Sheriff’s Departments, as well as the New York State Police, rode in the Fifth Annual Upstate New York Wounded Vet Run for U.S. Marine Corps. Sgt. Jeffrey Combs of East Harrison, NY. Starting at the Brunswick Harley Davidson and ending at Wicked Pub and Eatery in Clifton Park, with Troy Police assisting with traffic control, motorcyclists and veterans came out to aid their comrade in droves.
Every year, Chairman Mike Drinkwine Jr., along with Eric Remington, who helped found the Upstate NY Wounded Vet Run with guidance from Andy Biggio of the Boston Wounded Vet Run, honor a veteran that was either injured in training or active duty, with proceeds raised going towards that individual.
“We go through a process every year where we put it out on social media requesting applications. Sometimes, veterans have a hard time requesting help. We know that as an entity ourselves, with my co-chair, Eric Remington, who is a combat veteran, it’s very hard for them, after all the years of helping others, to request the help for themselves. So, we allow other people to nominate and then we ask them if they are okay with the fact that we picked them as our honoree,” said Drinkwine Jr.
Prior to kickoff, Combs was honored by Drinkwine Jr. and Remington in a ceremony, while Brunswick resident and veteran, Chris Sanders, sang the National Anthem. Cyclists then lined up to join him in the run.
Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department Undersheriff P.J. Higgitt, alongside Chaplain, Tony Sroka, and their team of volunteers, cooked and sold breakfast sandwiches. Poestenkill VFW commander, Larry Vartigan, donated his time to speak with veterans and hand out poppy flowers and pamphlets. Volunteers also sold t-shirts and assisted bikers in event registration.
“We’re just trying to help out the guys who fought for our ability to even have this event. Between the two of us and the guys who help us out, we’re hoping for a very successful event,” added Drinkwine Jr.
For more info about Upstate NY Wounded Vet Run, head to http://www.theyfoughtweride.com.
