NAPLES, Fla. — Out on the road, Howard Phillips is quite the sight.
The Washington native’s bike is stacked sky high with stickers, wrist bands, and pledge cards, as he treks across the country, city to city, raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
“90 percent of us never served in the military, and if it wasn’t for those guys and gals that put on a uniform and carry a gun, our life would be totally different,” he said to WBBH.
Starting out just north of Seattle, Phillips has already logged more than 5,000 miles on his Harley, spreading the word about the organization.
The organization helps injured soldiers recover, whether that be physically or emotionally, once they return from combat.
“I raised four kids in a very peaceful situation because of them,” he said.
He’s doing it all out of love for our country.
“Howard’s story is a little unique because he’s somebody who’s a citizen, not a veteran, and he’s out there raising money to do this,” said John Tabar, of Naples Harley-Davidson.
One of Phillips’ stops was at the Naples Harley-Davidson Sunday.
“What i’m recommending is people take one dollar for each year they’ve enjoyed their freedom, and contribute it to the wounded warrior project,” said Phillips.
Phillips will hit Everglades City before heading back up the east coast to visit Columbia, Boston and Minneapolis as part of his 10-city tour.
The ride hasn’t always been easy.
“Coming through some of the Florida rain has been memorable,” he exclaimed.
But he says it’s all worth it for our men and women in uniform.
“It’s my 12,000 mile ride to say thanks!”
His goal is to raise $50,000.
