Dozens of area motorcyclists and a local Jeep club teamed Saturday in an effort to help area veterans dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They participated in a 115 mile ride that was based at Westville American Legion Post 51.
Jenny Lou Merrell is the founder of the local group Working Out PTSD…
{AUDIO: ‘’I came up with the idea when I lost my son to PTSD suicide. And I knew that he liked to work out at the gym, and that was when he was doing the best. So when I lost my son, I decided to start an organization that pays for gym memberships for veterans.’’}
Merrell explained where money raised from Saturday’s ride will go…
{AUDIO: ‘’The Foundation is for local veterans – all veterans for gym memberships to any gym in the Danville area. And there’s a few gyms in Champaign as well. We also pay for bikes for veterans, and we donate for PTSD service dogs.’’}
(Riders prepare to leave the Westville American Legion as light rain begins to fall.)
Merrell outlined how veterans or their family can get further information about the Working Out PTSD effort….
{AUDIO: ‘’One way is getting a hold of us through the Working Out PTSD FACEBOOK page. But they can also always get a hold of us here at the Westville American Legion.’’}
The ride Saturday started and ended at Westville American Legion Post 210. The route passed through a number of area communities including Georgetown, Sidell, Penfield, and Potomac.
