Photo credits: rapidcityjournal
The 77th Sturgis motorcycle rally was definitely going down the right track with a grand start and the highlight of the day had to be the part where Adam Sandoval walked on stage at the Harley-Davidson Rally Point.
Little did anyone know, Sandoval was about to give away a Harley-Davidson bike to an unsuspecting veteran.
Sandoval, currently the founder of ScootinAmerica, had visited all 702 Harley-Davidson dealers in 48 different states in a span of two years. His aim was to raise awareness for military members and their families.
He then started Mission: Thank You to give away seven motorcycles to veterans across the country. These veterans are chosen by Sandoval and a panel of Harley-Davidson leadership and Wounded Warrior Project representatives.
Charles Swank was nominated by his wife Alaina through an essay sent to the program. Swank was aware that he was a finalist, but what he did not know was that he was the honoree.
Photo credits: rapidcityjournal
When Swank was presented the keys to a new 2017 Harley by Sandoval, the crowd cheered loudly. Swank then fired up the engine.
“Incredible. I wasn’t expecting it altogether,” Swank said.
“That is the sound of freedom, my friends,” Sandoval told the crowd.
“Those that have fought, put their lives on the line, for us to continue each and every day for our own freedom, it’s pretty spectacular,” said Bill Davidson, great-grandson of one of the co-founders of Harley-Davidson.
“He’s worked really hard to achieve where he’s at now,” Alaina said. “It’s just something that he deserves.”