Parkhill American Legion motorcycle run raises awareness for veterans

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Motorcycles will rumble across three counties – Cambria, Bedford and Somerset – May 26 during a run designed to bring attention to the issues of veteran suicide prevention and the nation’s prisoners of war and troops missing in action.

The fifth annual ride is scheduled to begin at Parkhill American Legion Post 970, 230 Parkhill Drive, with participants then going to the Bedford American Legion and Stoystown American Legion before rerunning to the starting point.

“We wanted to bring awareness to the veterans that there is help out there for them if they’re willing to reach out to it, and also to the public,” said Red Loya, director of the Parkhill American Legion riders.

“It’s a major problem in this country here – suicide – just not of veterans, but of kids, and middle-age and older people.

“We’re trying to bring awareness to the veterans that there’s help out there.”

Cost is $25 per rider and $15 per passenger.

Money raised will be divided into thirds among the Parkhill American Legion to be donated to causes throughout the year, Veterans Leadership Program and East Taylor Township Volunteer Fire Company.

Registration is from 9 a.m. until noon at Parkhill. Loya expects the riders to return around 5 p.m., which is when a party will begin.

There will also be a suicide awareness remembrance ceremony, a blessing of the bikes, a Vietnam War Huey helicopter on display and information available about service dogs.