Charity ride leaving from Strokers to benefit wounded serviceman

Published: Tuesday, July 24, 2012 10:11 AM CDT – starlocalnews.com

(http://www.scntx.com/articles/2012/07/24/flower_mound_leader/news/635.txt#.UA7Gmy8chxs.facebook)

United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne, on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, was critically injured on April 10 by an IED (improvised explosive device) while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is only the fourth quadruple amputee, from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, to survive his injuries.

On Saturday, there will be an event to raise money for his family.

The “Miles for Mills” motorcycle ride will take place at 10 a.m. at Strokers Dallas, 9304 Harry Hines Blvd. in Dallas and will conclude at American Legion Post 88 in Lake Dallas, 105 Gotcher Ave. Check-in starts at 9 a.m. There is a $20 suggested donation per bike.

U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson will begin the ride with a single gun shot.

Strokers Dallas will be opening up before 8 a.m. with coffee and donuts being provided.

The ride will be escorted by the Dallas Police Department. Leading the ride will be Rick Turner, formerly of the 82nd Airborne, with Mandy Bishop, Travis’ cousin as his passenger, and Craig Buck, Travis’ father-in-law with his passenger being Kelsey Mills, Travis’ wife.

The first six bikes beginning with Rick and Craig will be flying the 82nd Airborne flag, the American flag, the Texas Flags, POW flag, Navy flag, Patriot Guard flag and Combat Vet flag.

On the ride, right past Interstate 635, there will be an air escort as well. A UH1 (also known as a Huey) will be flying along and saluting you as you ride into Lake Dallas.

The Flower Mound and Lewisville fire departments will each have a ladder truck on the overpass in Lake Dallas, and a large American Flag will be draped between the two trucks for the riders to ride under.

Approximately eight different police department will have service vehicles lining the road as the riders pass an exact replica of the Liberty Bell, surrounded by the Sons of the Civil War group, ringing as they pass. The Firefighter Pipes, Drum & Honor Guard Symposium will also be present to welcome the riders in.

There will be other opportunities to support the effort at American Legion, including a dart tournament, a poker tournament, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and food sponsored by Texas Roadhouse. Those events begin at noon.

Entertainment will be provided from 1-7 p.m. Starting off is Jerry Smith, acoustic entertainment from 1-3 p.m., and from 3-5 p.m., Texas Country band Saints Eleven will be playing. Johnny B and the Doo Wops will finish off the day from 5-7 p.m.

Donations can be made at www.travismills.org.

For information, call Rick Turner at 214-650-8553 or email herotravismills@yahoo.com.