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WASHINGTON D.C. (April 9, 2008) - Wounded veterans recovering in
some California Veterans Affairs facilities hear some of their
visitors long before they see them.
Blue Star Riders is a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who visit
with veterans recovering at the Palo Alto, Livermore, Martinez and
San Francisco Veterans Affairs facilities at least once a month,
said Richard Hamilton, the group's founder and president.
"(Blue Star Riders) are dedicated to supporting our troops and
veterans, as well as honoring all wounded troops and fallen
heroes," said Hamilton, a former Marine and Vietnam veteran.
Members of the group visit with as many veterans as possible
during each of their visits. "If there is family present, we …
ascertain whether there is anything they need," he said.
Often, when veterans move to California from military medical
facilities on the East Coast, their families have used up many of
their resources or are unable to get around, Hamilton explained.
Blue Star Riders help in any way they can, including providing
transportation, he said.
The group also sends requested items to Landstuhl Regional
Medical Center, in Germany.
Blue Star Riders is a new supporter of America Supports You, a
Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with
servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
The group hopes its affiliation with America Supports You will
increase awareness that hospitalized veterans would enjoy having
visitors, Hamilton said, and that the affiliation will "bring a
focus on the families of our wounded active military and their
sacrifices while attending to their loved ones, and their need for
support."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals,
groups and organizations that are helping support the troops,
visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of
the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their
quest to find meaningful ways to support the military
community.
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