John Barker received the following from our 2018 recipient Dylan Gray:
It’s hard to find the appropriate words to write to truly show my gratitude to the patriots at Combat Hero Bike Build for this exquisite, custom Harley Davidson. So beyond my thank you, I hope that my permanent smile as I ride the shit out of it reflects it! There are so many thanks to be given for this badass motorcycle that go beyond the amazing people at Combat Hero Bike Build. The builder, Mark Daley at ThunderStruck Customs, did an outstanding job. The painter, Jason Titus at Sucker Punch Paint, added some amazing detail on top of that beautiful color. The engravings, done by hand, by Air Force veteran Bryan Skiles, are like nothing I have ever seen before. The perfect powder coating was done by Jesse Ruiz. Right when you think it couldn’t get any better, there is so much more to it that makes this a very special chunk of Iron rolling around in two wheels...
The bikes sentimental value actually starts 30 years ago. My biological father was a biker. Some of my earliest memories involve large bearded men in leather hanging around the house. I rode to kindergarten on the back of my Dad’s raked out Harley. David Mann paintings depict what my idea of bike should look like, engrained in me at an early age. Shortly after these memories, came the untimely death of my parents. My mother in a car accident, and my father a year later on his motorcycle. After that, there was an extended amount of time in my life that did not involve two wheels. The old saying, “You can take someone out of something, but you can’t take that something out of them”, holds true in my life. I’d eventually work my way back home....
That home I have found. The family is amazing! That is where the next chapter started. A Marine and board member of CHBB, who lived in another state had a son that I had become friends with. It was his son that got this ball rolling, recommending me to receive a modified motorcycle from his dad’s organization. I wish he was here to witness it in person, but I know I will always have a Guardian Angel when I ride it. RIP EC
The bike itself, before being donated to CHBB, was ridden hard and fast by a man, who not only shared my idea of a what a motorcycle should look like, but was also a part of this great big family. Slick passed away from his injuries after he went down on this bike, and his wife donated it. I am so privileged to have it passed on to me, and hope to honor all these great men not with us today, by riding it like they would have.
Thank you to everyone that has had a part in this that I have have not mentioned. You all know who you are. Thank you to everyone in this community for your friendship, support, patriotism and constant selfless giving you do for those around you. Last, but definitely not least, I’d like to thank my Fiancé, Vanilla Dawg, she is the most beautiful woman inside and out. I learn to be a better person by following her example each and every day.
Motorcycles have changed my life and they continue do it, from the healing properties that come from wind in the face, to all the good that has come from the people that also ride them.
Die Living
