This Sunday, October 5, several local businesses helped support a veteran’s motorcycle ride for the Fisher House of Wisconsin.
The event started at 9 a.m. at Sloppy Joe’s Saloon and Spoon, where riders come together over breakfast before a day of riding together.
The group departed at 11 a.m., making stops at Pine Hill Orchard, Old Germantown, and Ox & Cats. The trek ended at Smoke on the Water BBQ in Okauchee.
After a day spent out on the road, bikers came together to enjoy some great food, friendship, and live music. Milwaukee Mike and the Mob, a local blues and rock band, were there with plenty of loud music and fan favorite tunes.
Bill Michaels, a local sports commentator, was in attendance. He is the host of the aptly named “Bill Michaels Show” and offers insightful takes on the Packers, the Brewers, and the Bucks.
Michaels, like many others, showed up to support the Fisher House. He has been working with the program for almost nine years, helping to bring awareness to the work they do.
“It’s basically like a Ronald McDonald House for veterans and their families, which is great,” said Michaels. “It’s neat because its something you can see, you can feel, you can touch, and I’m a big fan of that.”
The event raised over $26,000 for the Fisher house this year, topping last year’s fundraising achievement of $21,000.
The Milwaukee VA Fisher House is located on the Milwaukee VA Medical Center grounds and offers the families of veterans going through treatment a place to stay that is comfortable and close to their loved ones.
The first Fisher House opened in Maryland in 1991, but has since become a national institution that seeks to provide support and spaces for veterans in need of care.
Over 99 Fisher Houses now operate across the United States. In addition to the one in Milwaukee, the group is also hoping to build one in Madison soon.
So far, the foundation has provided more than 500,000 families over 12 million days of free lodging services. This has saved the families of veterans an estimated $610 million in hotel costs.
“[The Fisher House] is doing great stuff for veterans,” said Michaels. “So we’re having a great day.”
