Our kickoff event brought together an amazing community, but what truly made the day so powerful were the stories that grounded us in our mission.

We were deeply honored to hear from Mary Tallouzi (Wounded Warrior Project), whose words brought both perspective and emotion to the room. Her message was heartfelt, honest, and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices our veterans make—and why this mission matters so much.

That emotion carried seamlessly into Brett’s speech. As he shared his personal journey, his family’s military legacy, and the meaning behind this 6,000-mile ride, you could feel the room come together in a shared sense of purpose. It wasn’t just about the miles ahead—it was about the lives we aim to impact along the way.

The event was also filled with moments of energy and celebration. A powerful student dance performance brought emotion and movement to the mission, while appearances by the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders added excitement and a strong sense of local pride. These moments created a perfect balance—honoring the seriousness of the cause while celebrating the community that stands behind it.

The energy throughout the event was incredible. We had a fantastic turnout, a wonderful program, and a community that showed up with open hearts and generosity.

That generosity was especially evident during our raffles, which saw enthusiastic participation all afternoon. And in a moment that truly captured the spirit of Ride for Vets, our 50/50 raffle winner chose to donate the full $500 winnings back to the charity.

It’s hard to put into words what that kind of support means—but it’s something we will carry with us for every mile of this journey.

To everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and supported—thank you. You made this kickoff not just successful, but deeply meaningful.

As Brett prepares to begin this ride, he does so inspired by the stories shared, the connections made, and the incredible support behind him.

📸 Be sure to explore the photo gallery below and relive some of these special moments.

Thank you for being part of this mission.

Ride with Purpose. Honor with Action.