06/22/2026
🇺🇸🏍️ PROUD TO BE IN AMERICA RIDE 🇺🇸🏍️
This summer, one veteran is taking on an incredible journey along the entire length of Historic Route 66 to honor our nation’s heroes, celebrate America’s 250th birthday, and bring awareness to the invisible wounds many veterans carry every day.
Beginning June 28, 2026, at 8:00 AM, the ride will depart from Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas, traveling east to Chicago, then west to the Santa Monica Pier, before returning home to Southeast Kansas. This journey isn’t just about the miles, it’s about the message.
Too many veterans struggle in silence with PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other service-connected conditions. Through this ride, we hope to start conversations, break stigmas, and remind our veterans that they are never alone. The ride was recently featured by Route 66 News, highlighting the mission behind this incredible event. Read the article here: https://www.route66news.com/2026/06/21/gearhead-curios-owner-participating-in-proud-to-be-in-america-ride/
This event also celebrates:
🇺🇸 America’s 250th Birthday
🛣️ Route 66’s 100th Anniversary
🎖️ Veterans past, present, and future
🚔 First Responders and all who have worn a uniform in service to others
The best part? Proceeds from this event will benefit Outside The Wire helping us continue our mission of supporting veterans and their families through healing retreats, peer support, outdoor recreation, and su***de prevention efforts right here in Southeast Kansas.
How can you help?
✅ Join the ride (motorcycle, classic car, sports car, truck, family vehicle—everyone is welcome!)
✅ Sponsor the event
✅ Share this post
✅ Line the streets and wave as riders pass through your community
✅ Help us spread the message that it’s okay to ask for help
This ride is proof that even when carrying physical and emotional scars from service, veterans continue to inspire, lead, and serve others.
Together, let’s honor those who served, celebrate America, and show our veterans that their stories matter.
For sponsorship opportunities, donations, or to participate, contact:
📧 [email protected]
Aaron Perry, owner of Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas, is participating in the Proud to be IN America Ride from June 28 through July 12 along Route 66. Perry, an Army veteran, wrote in an email: I want to invite you to join us for a ride to honor Veterans past, present and future, not … Continue...