Space Coast Harley-Davidson Presents New Bike To Veteran

presented to Staff Sgt. Brian Torres

ABOVE VIDEO: Harley-Davidson interrupted its own press conference to surprise six U.S. military veterans with brand-new 2015 motorcycles. The special deliveries kickstarted a new partnership between Harley-Davidson and Wounded Warrior Project.

Harley-Davidson, Wounded Warrior Project Devised To Improve Lives of Service Men, Women With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Space Coast Harley-Davidson presented a 2015 Electra Glide Ultra Limited motorcycle in Vivid Black to former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brian Torres of Vero Beach on Saturday as part of the partnership between Harley-Davidson and the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Harley-Davidson and Wounded Warrior Project was devised to help improve the lives of service men and women living with post-traumatic stress disorder.

As part of the new partnership, Harley-Davidson will collaborate with Wounded Warrior Project to develop a program geared toward helping more veterans experience the positive benefits of the open road.

Peer-to-peer activities, like motorcycle riding, have been known to provide positive therapeutic benefits for PTSD. One in three returning troops is diagnosed with PTSD symptoms and less than 40 percent seek help1.

Torres served in the United States Army in the 3rd Infantry Division and completed three combat tours in Iraq.  As a result of these deployments, he has hearing loss and was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“It is important to have the support of corporations like Harley-Davidson which understand the long-term needs of our nation’s veterans and are willing to work with us to help warriors uncover and live with their ‘new normal,’” said John Roberts, EVP of Warrior Relations at Wounded Warrior Project.

“We know from our warriors that recreational activities like motorcycle riding provide a multitude of therapeutic benefits for those living with PTSD.”

Torres has been riding motorcycles since he was a kid and is an activity he loves to do with his brother.

He currently works for Florida Wildlife, an opportunity that came about because of his participation in the Wounded Warrior Project’s TRACK program in Jacksonville.

Torres also participates in the Wounded Warrior Project Peer Support program as a peer mentor.

He attributes his current success to his involvement with Wounded Warrior Project saying that the TRACK program is “probably the best thing I ever did.”

“We’re proud of the nearly 100 years of support Harley-Davidson has provided to the men and women who defend our country and our freedom,” said Matt Levatich, president and chief operating officer at Harley-Davidson.

“Our partnership with Wounded Warrior Project builds on that legacy by supporting these veterans in their quest for strength, freedom and independence.”

Similar Stories