FEATURES
SCOOTIN ’ AMERICA WRAPS UP
WHILE HONORING A VETERAN
ARTICLE BY : “ T ” COLLIER PHOTOS BY : “ T ” COLLIER AND BROADWAY
A well-oiled machine scooted through the town of Paris , TX leaving behind an epic celebration of veterans . Its tour from start to finish originated with famed Scootin ’ America rider , Adam Sandoval and his equally famous dog , Scooter . Adam and Scooter set out in November of 2014 , to visit every Harley-Davidson Dealer in America ’ s lower 48 states . Their mission was to visit every dealer as well as raise awareness and funds for the military and veterans . After a year and a half on the road and nearing completion of their mission , Adam and Scooter were hit by a car in July while riding to a meet and greet in Pennsylvania . Adam had a severe leg injury and had to delay the ride . While sitting in one spot , fretting over his inability to continue helping vets , he came up with a way to do so . After several phone calls , pulling in the help of friends , builders and Cody , owner of Paris Harley-Davidson in Paris TX , Adam had a solid idea that turned into action . He set up a GoFundMe account asking for $ 10,000 to build a custom bike for a veteran . After a social media video by Adam , he asked that everyone donate to the project for a deserving veteran . He then asked that veterans go on-line to Scootin ’ America Facebook page , post a story stating why they deserve to win the bike . By viewing those and selecting the top 5 , he then allowed the page audience to choose a winner .
Brandi Swann , fiancé of Veteran , Kyle Brown , sent in a letter about the service Kyle had served and a bit about the hardships he ’ d endured on his tours of duty .
Brandi wrote : …” Kyle Brown did 7.5 years ,
( infantry ) in the Army before getting out as a SGT . He did 3 deployments … Iraq ( 2007-2008 , 2009- 2010 ) and Afghanistan ( 2012 ). He has ridden several bikes but has never had the opportunity to own one . Unfortunately , he doesn ’ t have his license yet but finally has the time to be able to get it . We currently live in Guyton , GA . We did not go far from our last duty stations , ( Fort Stewart and HAAF ). Kyles whole world changed on his second deployment after being in a vehicle that was hit by an IED . He pulled two of his best friends out of the truck only to find out that they had not made it out alive . He suffered many different injuries , but insisted that he go back out on mission . He received a Purple Heart and was diagnosed with PTSD . He has his days where all he wants to do is be alone . Since I too am prior service , I understand . Recently , he opened his own business . After two years of wanting to live his dream , I told him to just do it . He took the step of faith and is now believing that
Thunder Roads Magazine of OK / AR 19