Motorcycle Ride to Support Veterans Takes Over Cape Cod

On Saturday, May 21, Cape Cod will be filled with the sound of rumbling engines as motorcycle riders come together in support of veterans.

The 22-K9 Motorcycle Ride stretches 31 miles from Sandwich to Dennis and raises funds for 22Mohawks Veteran Suicide Awareness and the Pups for Vets Program.

22Mohawks Non-Profit Organization

22Mohawks provides assistance to veterans who need help with navigating the struggles of everyday life when they return home from duty.

“22” is in reference to the jarring statistic that, on average, 22 veterans take their own life each day, and the mohawk is an ode to standing tall in the face of adversity.

“It represents the outlier, the person who is not afraid to go against the grain. ... Veterans and those who support them embody the mohawk,” said the official website.

Pups for Vets Program

Pups for Vets was the initial program that motivated Founder and President Dave Campisano to start 22Mohawks. It takes three years for a veteran to get a service dog, so Campisano found a way to expedite the process.

“We teamed up with Professional Canine Services in Middleborough. They acquire the dogs, train them and then we partner those dogs with a veteran in need,” said Campisano. “There’s a lot of stuff going on in a veteran’s head, and having an emotional support animal provides them with purpose and unconditional love.”

The veteran and their new best friend meet bi-monthly at the training facility, allowing veterans to gain social interaction with like-minded individuals and open up in a safe space among friends.

22K-9 Motorcycle Ride

Michael McGee, the events coordinator for 22Mohawks, was the first veteran to receive a support dog from the organization, and he knew he wanted to give back in some way.

“The first thing I could think of was, ‘How can I help get more veterans through the door?'" he said. McGee came up with the idea of a motorcycle ride, and after months of planning, the ride comes to fruition this Saturday.

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“It feels amazing to know other veterans will receive help,” said McGee. “It feels so powerful to see everyone stepping up, riding and donating.”

Campisano said: “The most important thing I’ve learned through this organization is that when you reach out and help someone, it becomes contagious. What Mike is doing is the epitome of how this is supposed to run."

The community is encouraged to cheer the riders on and join in on the ceremony and the after-party. It's all about coming together as a community and supporting our veterans.

Event Details

Registration: 9 a.m. at Sandwich High School

Ceremony: 10:30 a.m.

Kickstands Up: 11 a.m.

After Party: Approx. 12:15 p.m. at the Sand Dollar in Dennis

Cost to Ride: $20 per person. Bands will be sold at registration and purchase includes a buffet provided at Sand Dollar

Contact Mike McGhee at Muhgee1@gmail.com or Stacey at stacey@22mohawks.com for more information on sponsorship packages and ways to volunteer.