What happens when motorcycles, U.S. veteran volunteers, and a love of education come together? Great things. In June, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club (USVMC) put on a ride in support of the Veterans’ Education and Advancement Fund (VEAF) for Penn State World Campus. This scholarship endowment, created by Al and Sharon Matyasovsky of Houtzdale, Pennsylvania, supports current members and veterans of the U.S. military services, as well as their family members, who are pursuing a degree online through World Campus.
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the USVMC is composed of members from all branches of military service, and because they often work on volunteer events, the VEAF was a great match for them. For this event, members and friends rode 60 miles through the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside, beginning at the American Legion in Port Matilda and traveling through Ebensburg and Centre Hall to the American Legion in State College.
The participants — 80 riders on 60 motorcycles — raised a total of $1,700 for the VEAF. Chapter president, Jeff “J.R.” Martin, who took courses through World Campus before finishing his master’s degree at the California University of Pennsylvania, commented: “Chapter members thought it was a good idea, as we support veterans overall. We advertised it on Facebook and had a great turnout.”
He added, “We hope to do another event. Perhaps we can make it a tradition!”