The bonds between motorcycles and the military were seen again this week with Harley-Davidson’s continued financial support for a organization aimed at helping those who have served their country.

The announcement of Harley-Davidson awarding a second $1 million grant from the Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc. to the non-profit organization, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) furthered the already strong and historical ties between America’s military and those who ride.

Harley-Davidson’s relationship with the DAV dates to 2006, when the Harley-Davidson Foundation made a prior $1 million grant to the organization. The new grant announced yesterday at the DAV National Convention in Atlanta is designated for continued funding of the DAV’s Mobile Service Office (MSO) program over the next four years.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with the DAV and help the organization support veterans of all generations,” said Gail Lione, President, Harley-Davidson Foundation. “Veterans have always been important members of the Harley-Davidson family and partnering with the DAV is an ideal way to support them and recognize their contributions to our country.”

The DAV MSO program increases veterans’ accessibility to benefits by literally putting service offices on the road.  Since 2007, this program sponsored by Harley-Davidson  -- dubbed Harley’s Heroes® -- has visited thousands of sites across the United States, providing important counseling and assistance to help tens of thousands of veterans secure the benefits to which they are entitled from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and other government agencies.

Founded in 1920 by disabled veterans returning from World War I, the DAV has continually represented the unique interests of the men and women who bear the wounds and scars of war.  Through their network of 110 National Service Offices, 10 mobile service offices, and Transition Service Officers at more than 100 military installations, the 1.2 million member DAV builds better lives for all America’s disabled veterans and their families. 

In 2009, DAV represented nearly a quarter of a million veterans and their families in their claims for VA benefits, obtaining for them nearly $4.5 billion in new and retroactive benefits.

“Harley-Davidson not only represents freedom and patriotism, the Company backs up its brand and generously supports those brave men and women whose sacrifices protect our nation,” said DAV National Adjutant/CEO Arthur H. Wilson. “Through the support of the Harley-Davidson Foundation, DAV representatives have visited nearly 300 dealerships across the nation on the Harley’s Heroes tour, delivering free benefits assistance to disabled veterans and their families through our Mobile Service Office program. It’s hard to put into words just how much the Harley’s Heroes program has meant to thousands of sick and wounded heroes.”