BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Pictured from left, are Dan Schoonover, Myron Kyle, Matt Golla, Nate Truax, Bill Newberry, Marty Russell, Ed Reeder, Terry Walburn, Bill Esposito and Ann Russell.

MILL HALL — Despite our country’s pride in those who served, many veterans slip through the cracks.

Veterans can slip through the cracks for a multitude of reasons — maybe they don’t qualify for benefits, or because the help they need is not something the Veterans Administration (VA) can provide.

A group of like minded individuals who have a passion for riding motorcycles recognized the growing needs for the local veteran community, and formed VFW Riders Group District 15-PA.

The group, created just over a year ago, is a non-profit of dedicated volunteers from all walks of life who are mostly veterans themselves. With support from the VFW organization, they look to make a solid “boots on the ground” effort to make a difference in the lives of veterans in our community.

VFW Riders Group District 15-PA serves Lycoming, Clinton, Tioga, Potter and Cameron counties and makes efforts to serve veterans of other counties outside of the area when presented with someone in need and resources permit.

Handiwork or repairs around a veterans home, yard work, handicap-supportive adaptations to homes, resources for food insecurity or emergency funds to pay a utility bill are common instances where services fall grossly short, and these stressors can greatly impact a veteran’s quality of life.

This group’s sole mission is to ensure that no veteran gets left behind.

Mr. Ed Reeder, of Mill Hall, a retired 20-year Air Force Tech Sergeant, was the recipient of a brand new ramp through this group.

Reeder shared memories of his time in the force, having been a pioneer of his time. He did cryptograph maintenance, which was extremely advanced for the time.

“My favorite experience was installing equipment (from) D.C. to here. Mostly the Pentagon. The installations were my favorite ones. (I put up equipment) that ran from 1987 to 1995. In eight years I only saw one piece of it that failed. If we weren’t out installing, we were fabricating stuff that would go out in the field when we did go to install,” said Reeder.

When Reeder began having mobility trouble after a surgery, he reached out to the VA for help. Reeder was referred to VFW Riders Group District 15-PA by a local Clinton County Veterans Service Officer. Helping Hands Committee Chair Dan Schoonover met with the Reeders and assessed what needed to be done.

“We all decided this is definitely something that needs to be done. We looked to the long term when inevitably he will be wheelchair bound,” said Schoonover, citing the need for Reeder to get in and out of his home easier.

He recommended a plan of action based on the groups availability and what resources they had to help.

Creating a concrete ramp and railing took around two days of physical work for the group, made possible by a generous donation from a local business, Centre Concrete, who enthusiastically jumped on board in support.

“(Centre Concrete’s Owner) Eric Nicholson is a big supporter of veterans and anyone in the military. He’s big on supporting the community,” said Matt Golla, Plant Manager of Centre Concrete’s Lock Haven location.

When Schoonover reached out to Centre Concrete, the Regional Manager Fred Korman immediately approved the pour.

Bill Newberry, who is in the military himself and a driver for Centre Concrete, praised the group.

“It’s pretty awesome there’s people who do this for veterans. It takes a huge strain off of just about everybody,” said Newberry.

“These guys sacrifice their family time… We have our freedoms for what they do, we’ll always help them in return,” said Golla.

“I’m glad there’s groups, companies and volunteers that are out there available to help veterans. Thank you to everybody (involved),” said Reeder.

If you are a veteran in need, or know a veteran who could use a helping hand, please reach out on Facebook or email the group at vfwrgdistrict15@gmail.com.

If you’re interested in volunteering in the group, please feel free to reach out to the same email to see how your unique talents or skill sets can help veterans in the area.

“We’re always looking for local businesses, tradespeople and resources to donate materials, knowledge and time,” said Resource Officer Ann Russell.