The American Legion Riders from Keewatin drove more than 90 miles to visit the veterans in Silver Bay. The bikers wanted to show their thanks to the men and women who served our nation with a summer BBQ.

Larry Pocrnich, one of the many American Legion Riders said they drove over 90 miles to visit the vets. He says the ride is worth it to thank the men and women for their military service, and provide them delicious food.

“It’s heartwarming to help out the veterans here. I’ve done it for the last 21 years and you get a good feeling when you do it,” Pocrnich said. “It’s fun coming here. I listen to their stories, it’s a good start for us doing barbecues and mingling with them. Most of us are veterans or belonging to the sons of the American Legion so we fit right in.”

A lot of vets have trouble fitting in with civilians after their time in the military. Brian Michael Wegerer is one of many residents at the Minnesota Veterans Home. Wegerer says he and the other vets appreciate the American Legion Riders spending time with them, because he enjoys seeing people in the community care about people who’ve served our country.

“It’s always a good crowd. They come in and it just shows the amount of support we get from various groups that want to give back to other vets,” Wegerer said. “They’re veterans themselves, and there is a combat veterans component to it that they’ve come with their motorcycles. At times they’ll come and they’ll play Bingo with the guys.”

The veterans in Silver Bay seeing the American Legion Riders is becoming their next favorite part of summer. Jennifer Fisher the RN Senior at the Minnesota Veterans Home says the American Legion Riders visit means a lot to the residents, because they feel ia sense of belonging. 

“You know they don’t get tons and tons of visitors besides families. So having groups like this come in and give that sense of community,” Fisher said. “The donations and we can’t run our business without having the donations and the veterans deserve everything that they’re bringing to them.”

For more information about the Minnesota Home for Veterans in Silver Bay you can read more here. Also for other stories supporting veterans you can read more here.