Special Ops Bikers Roll for a Good Cause

By Mike Hennessy

(Fort Myers, Fla.) -- On Saturday, April 12th a group of motorcycle lovers with a special bond will fire up their bikes and cruise around Fort Myers for a good cause - the children of fallen military personnel. The Special Forces Motorcycle Club, Inc. (a nonprofit corporation) is ready to make its 4th Anniversary Charity Ride and Fundraiser. Tickets for the Friday night pre-event spaghetti dinner are $10 which also qualifies for a door prize drawing.

Club President and former Green Beret Bo McCormick and his comrades don't fit the typical Hollywood biker stereotype. The members of the veterans' club, in addition to their love of motorcycles, share a background of having served in the military, primarily in the Army's elite Special Forces. Many of the members of the club are active duty personnel serving our country all over the world.

Last year's charity ride raised more than $15,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the families of special operators killed or wounded in the line of duty. When someone serving in special operations - Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps -- loses their life in combat or training, the Foundation steps in with financial and emotional support as well as full college scholarships for their children.

"I lost my father when I was two years old as a result of wounds he received while serving during World War II. I know the hardships these kids have to go through without a parent," said McCormick.

For $20 per bike or vehicle (cars too), $15 a passenger, riders will get a continental breakfast, participation in the "dice run" ride, afternoon cookout with raffles, silent auction , 50/50 drawing and door prize opportunities. After a modest start its first year with a handful of riders, the club expects to draw hundreds of riders from around the world.

McCormick and his comrades are offering the media a unique opportunity to join this year's ride as embedded reporters. Media wishing to join the ride should contact the Foundation's Public Relations Director, Edie Rosenthal in advance at (813) 843-4417 or via e-mail edie@specialops.org. Anyone riding or driving can sign up the day of the event, beginning at 9 a.m. April 12 at 12200 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, Florida. Friday evening's spaghetti dinner is at the same location at 6:30 PM.

For additional information about the dinner or ride, contact Bo McCormick 239-99