Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/727617
67 www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS nOctober 2016n Demurring somewhat, Bloem offered that he is not a "born patriot." Nor is he a veteran. Born in South Africa, he immigrated to Canada at age fi ve, and then came to the United States and subsequently become a cit- izen. He declared, "I became a patriot through these services." On providing service dogs to com- bat veterans, Bloem said that those that serve our country deserve this support. Two such veterans at the event com- mented upon the impact of the support provided by their service dogs. Benjamin Kilhefner was a Navy Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Corpsman who served two combat tours, includ- ing one with Third Battalion Sixth Marine Regiment. Saying that he saw lots of casualties during the fi rst deployment working in a fi eld hospital, Kelhefner related that he "lost quite a few guys to suicide" after returning home from the second tour. Following medical retirement, he said he was looking for something more, for another outlet in addition to his treat- ment. He wanted something to help throughout the day, "instead of taking pills all the time." That something more ended up being Tank, his res- cued-and-trained service dog provided by Shelter to Soldier. According to Kelhefner, when he went to the shelter for the fi rst time, he was still "pretty shaky about meeting new people," describing not getting out of the house much for a couple of months and not spending enough time with his wife and daughter. Amazingly, Tank jumped into his lap the fi rst time they met. "First time, fi rst sight, fi rst love, you know," he said, smiling. And they have started their journey together, with Tank by his side all the time, at home, at school, and at this event. Waking Kelhefner from night- mares and helping in countless ways, Tank is positively impacting this com- bat veteran and his family. Kelhefner said that previously he could not stand around talking to people, could not get the words out, but now he is engaging, and pursuing other goals, like completing his bach- elor's degree and going for a master's degree, with the goal of being a vet- eran advocate. Receiving Tank has made all the difference in the world. "They give you another hope in life," Kelhefner says of Shelter to Soldier. "Tank is always at my side, touching my feet. He senses my anxiety and will rush me out of my classrooms when needed." Like Kelhefner, Vic Martin received a rescued service dog. Also a Navy veteran, Martin suffered a brain injury while forward-deployed to the Arabian Gulf. Medevacked to the States, he too was subsequently medically retired. He described being "disengaged and not really belong- ing." This led to "being really, really depressed," and "coming very close to suicide." Giving credit to his wife, Martin said his wife found Shelter to Soldier and when he fi nally met Bloem, it was the fi rst time he had been out of his house in six months. "It was huge," said Martin. Soon Martin received his service dog Kira. "It's amazing," offered Martin. "She does things she's not even trained to do." Saying he is diag- nosed with PTSD, severe anxiety and severe depres- sive disorders, Martin described Kira as a tremen- dous help and gave him the power to move forward. He now serves as a veteran advocate and helps those applying to Shelter to Soldier. Thanking Bloem, Kelhefner and Martin for their time, it was time to listen to the country music performed by Steelhorse Country. Across the way, John Little and crew from the Ramona Ranch Winery and Round Up Grill were busy dispensing food and drink to the bikers who were arriving in a steady stream. Attending the fi rst annual Live at the Lake event ended up being much more than just a Sunday afternoon ride. The Round Up Grill was terrifi c and will be the destination for many mor e rides. But it was the opportunity to speak with Bloem, Kelhefner and Martin that made the ride exceptionally special, even heart- warming. It is not often that a Sunday afternoon ride becomes much more than expected. Information about Shelter to Soldier is available at sheltertosoldier.org. 4 ARIZONA PHOENIX Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson 13850 N. Cave Creek Road 602.971.3400 www.buddystubbshd.com CALIFORNIA GLENDALE Harley-Davidson of Glendale 3717 San Fernando Road 818.246.5618 www.glendaleharley.com Call or visit the dealerships' websites below to see if you can register online For more information about the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course, visit www.Harley-Davidson.com/RidingAcademy Novice or veteran, we have motorcycle training courses and the expert advice you need to conquer the open road. "I CAN RIDE A HARLEY. LET ME RESTATE THAT: I. CAN. RIDE. A. HARLEY." ® Never ridden before? Don't sweat it. The Harley-Davidson™ Riding Academy New Rider Course is designed to get you comfortable on a bike and give you the skills you need to ride with confidence. Live at the Lake Continued from page 6 Combat veteran Benjamin Kilhefner with his wife, daugh- ter, and service dog Tank Members of Bulldog Company, Navy Junior ROTC from Ramona High School salute an arriving bike