Thanks for supporting Shea’s ride

To the editor:

The third annual Shea M. Briar Memorial Ride, hosted by Portland’s American Legion Post 211, was held on July 22, 2023, and we could not have asked for better weather.

Forty-eight bikes (19 of those being American Legion Riders) and eight vehicles registered, with stops at the VFW in Fort Recovery, American Legion Post 158 in Union City and Winchester’s Moose Lodge, and a pass by The Journey Home in Winchester to wave to the veterans on our way to American Legion Post 353 in Farmland, and a special drive by Shea’s gravesite.

We appreciate every one that spent the day with us. We are also grateful for those who donated an item for the silent auction, bid on an item, bought a commemorative item, donated money, donated their time or just stopped by to say hello. Because of your generosity over $5,000 was raised this year and that is no small feat in these challenging economic times. 

It is an honor to be able to support local charities, military charities, elementary schools, teachers and other organizations in need with the money raised in Shea’s memory. Shea loved to help anyone that needed it and, as a navy veteran, we know he would be especially proud that we are helping veterans at The Journey Home by providing groceries, cleaning supplies and monetary donations. We also have been able to give monetary donations, school supplies and other necessities to Redkey and West Jay elementary schools to use as needed.

The American Legion Riders and the Shea M. Briar Memorial will collaborate again this year at Christmas to buy gifts, food and essential household items for local families. We look forward to helping others that need assistance as well.

Missed the ride? No problem. Donations can be made year-round to Shea’s memorial fund at The Portland Foundation. Simply make a check out to The Portland Foundation and put Shea Briar in the memo. 

Special thanks to the American Legion Riders and their spouses, American Legion Post 211 in Portland, Waste Management, Freedom Flyers, Cintas, KBL Transport, US Aggregates, Wheel & Spoke Antique Mall, The Cottage Shop, Deer Park Boutique, Progressive Del Toro, Strohl’s, Sunkissed Tanning, Circle K, Pits, Portland’s Best One Tire, Wings and Rings, The Greazy Pickle, Pizza King, John Hankins, Shayla and Leroy Brown, Walmart, Renegade Customs, Jay County Beverage, Clauser and Habegger Furniture, Hummel Meats, M&M Market, The Galley, Connie Fear, Rita Flick and Dunkirk Delta Theta Tau, Merrywood Candles, Jay County Pee Wee Football, Todd Steiner, Ron May, Mike Louck, Anderson Golden Corral, Stephanie Harris, Roy Pageant, Evansville’s Tri-State Dental, Tristan Nichols, Danny Ingram, Jeana Clayton, Angie Ingram, Dawn Steed, El Carreton, The Commercial Review and WPGW Radio. Our sincere apologies if we missed anyone. 

We would also like to mention that The Journey Home is having a benefit ride and concert on Sept. 9 at the Artisan Park in Union City to raise much needed funds for daily expenses. Details about that event and other information about TJH can be found on their Facebook page. 

Thank you from Shea’s family and we can’t wait to see you next year.

Tracy Hoevel (Shea’s mom), Sharon Taylor (Shea’s grandma) and Tiffany McLaughlin (Shea’s aunt)

Portland