Wisconsin Navy vet receives 2017 Harley from Hogs for Heroes

A Navy veteran, who was forced to sell his beloved motorcycle during tough times, has received a 2017 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited bike from Hogs for Heroes. Shannon Flynn is the 17th veteran to receive a motorcycle from the Wisconsin nonprofit organization, which supports military veterans.

According to FOX television affiliate WLUK, Flynn received his new hog during a ceremony at American Legion Post 283 in Suring, Wisconsin, on May 8. Dozens of veterans were on hand, many of the them riding in on motorcycles.

“It’s my passion,” says Flynn, who began riding after he left the military two decades ago. “Just the community. The people. Ever since I got off active duty, all my buddies have bikes. So, I got a bike and started riding.”

Flynn, who served one tour in Iraq and two in Afghanistan, began fixing motorcycles after returning to Wisconsin and even owned his own business for a while. But he struggled financially, sold his motorcycle, and changed careers.

Hogs for Heroes decided to put him back in the saddle. Flynn just had to decide which bike he wanted.

“They kept saying, ‘You’ll know the one,’” he says, “and once I saw it, and test rode it, I knew that was the one.”

As is tradition, former Hogs for Heroes recipients lined up and passed Flynn’s key down the line until it reached the bike’s new owner. Flynn climbed aboard, started the engine, and took his first ride on his new wheels.

“I just want to thank everybody for everything,” Flynn says. “Friends, family, the organization …”

We wish him many, many miles of happy riding ahead.