Ohio couple plans motorcycle trip through 22 states in 22 days to support veterans

OHIO — A motorcycle ride raising funds for veterans and bringing awareness to veteran suicide rates will be rolling through North Dakota this month.

Jason & Angela White will hop on their Harley, leave their Ohio home, and head through 22 states in 22 days. Each stop on their route will include meeting veterans and riding enthusiasts and discussing their cause.

All proceeds from the ride will go to the organization Strive, which stands for Suicide and Trauma Reeducation Initiative, and develops treatments for those at risk of suicide.

For North Dakota, they will be spending time at Stutsman Harley Davidson in Jamestown before heading south to Aberdeen South Dakota.

Angela and Jason White speak with KVRR over Zoom.

Jason White, a U.S. Army veteran who served in both operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, suffers from post traumatic stress disorder and the ride is one way for him to help himself while helping others.

“I’m more than willing to help my buddy out, but I’m OK. Because that’s something we in the military, unfortunately, are geared for,” said Jason White. “We put our own self aside, or own thoughts aside, and do what we need to do. And a lot of times it turns out to be a trap to where you start doing for everybody else and (say), ‘I’ll take care of that later on.'”

To donate, or to learn more about the ride, visit riding22in22vsa.com.