On May 16, 2010, five female motorcyclists with diverse backgrounds will depart on an epic journey from the Center for the Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas with one common mission; to improve the lives of America’s Veterans. Along the way, the trip will take them to four VA Medical Centers in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas & Iowa. Once they enter Wisconsin the women will join the LZ Lambeau honor ride leaving LaCrosse on May 21st along with over 1000 Vietnam veterans. As they get to Green Bay, WI, they will ride with a smaller group of 311 veterans into Lambeau Field where the traveling Vietnam wall and museum will be set up. LZ Lambeau is a “homecoming” for many vets from the Vietnam War era who were never properly welcomed home. The Diamond Posse, as the five women are called, will end their journey on Saturday, May 22nd with a grand finale as they ride 100 miles from Green Bay to Milwaukee escorted by the New Glory Flag Bike Team to open Harley-Davidson’s Women’s Celebration.
Each of the women has a strong tie to motorcycling and to keeping motorcyclists safe on the road in addition to their desire to serve the Veterans who keep our country free and safe. Eldonna Lewis Fernandez, a Veteran herself, suffered the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and has dedicated her life to helping Veterans with PTSD. Cat Hammes, an RN, was involved in a motorcycle crash in which she lost her leg. She was told she would never ride again and now serves as an inspiration for all Veterans who have lost a limb. Vicki Sanfelipo, the Founder of the Diamond Posse Ride, in addition to being an EMT and an RN, manages a company to train people to reduce injuries and fatalities at motorcycle crash scenes. Amy Skaling travels to motorcycle events and “blings out” clothing and motorcycles for riders, as well as participating in many motorcycle fundraisers. The final member, Bobbie Carlson, works for Cape Fox and Concentric Methods, providing Motorcycle Safety training for the active duty service members of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. All these women have been “Forged Under Pressure,” thus making the Diamond Posse a perfect name for them.
At each VA Medical Center, the local Harley-Davidson Dealer will coordinate efforts to host a fund-raising and awareness event where the Diamond Posse will talk with local Veterans and local riders. All funds generated before the event and during the ride will go to the Fallen Heroes Fund which funds the Center for the Intrepid. To learn more, donate or to sponsor the ride (proceeds go to Fallen Heros), visit http://diamondposse.us