Bonneville T100 Blacks (photo courtesy of
the Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine article)
10,000 miles in 4 months through 2 countries…the United States and Canada!
Article 1 in a multiple-series story:
VMSI is absolutely thrilled and honored to support “The Long Ride Home” by contributing $20,000 as the Title/Medal of Honor Sponsor!! All proceeds from “The Long Ride Home” will help further the progressive therapies found at Boulder Crest Retreat for our wounded Veterans suffering from combat injuries and combat related stress, PTSD. We are so excited to be a part of this incredible undertaking to support our nation’s deserving heroes!
The foundation for “The Long Ride Home” begins at Molly’s Irish Pub, a popular venue in Old Town Warrenton since Laurie Enright, Pub Owner, opened its doors in December 2001. Even more significant than the opening of this cozy pub, is the philanthropy that Laurie and her daughter, Molly, have incorporated into their business practices.
As many of the Warrenton residents know, Laurie Enright served an impressive 12 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan over the course of a 29 year military career. After recently retiring from active duty last October, Laurie intends to continue giving back to her fellow service men and women after relocating to her hometown of Tempe, Arizona.
Over the last thirteen years, Laurie and Molly have contributed to a variety of organizations; recently, however, their focus has been dedicated to veteran-supporting foundations such as Boulder Crest Retreat in Bluemont, Virginia. As a Veteran herself, Laurie strongly believes in giving back to those who have served and sacrificed for this country. In a recent a Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine article by Danica Low, Laurie is quoted as saying, “We want to support these heroes as much as we can. We recognize that since 2001, more than 118,000 veterans have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more than 52,000 have been wounded in action. These men and women and their families need – deserve – our help.” VMSI couldn’t agree more!
After nearly two years of planning, Laurie and Molly have assembled a fund raising campaign that will take them on a 10,000 mile motorcycle journey over the course of four months throughout the United States and Canada. Aptly named “The Long Ride Home”, the tour serves as a metaphor for the lengthy journey of healing that Veterans face upon returning home. The mother-daughter team will begin their journey in Tempe, Arizona on May 25th, Memorial Day; they will ride their motorcycles up from Arizona to Alaska and through Canada before concluding their journey with an enormous homecoming in Warrenton, Virginia.
The goal of The Long Ride Home is to increase awareness for military & veteran wellness as well as raise funds for Boulder Crest Retreat to further their efforts in assisting our wounded Veterans and their caregivers. With a very specific goal of $292,000, Laurie and Molly hope to cover the full operating costs of all 4 cabins at Boulder Crest for an entire year where our wounded Veterans come for rest, recharging, rehabilitation and intense therapy provided to Veterans and their families.
Laurie and Molly have already received numerous donations from the community, including saddle bags, tents, and emergency communicators as well as gift cards for food and gas. “The Long Ride Home” website includes biographies on Laurie and Molly, details about the incredible progress of Boulder Crest Retreat and information regarding the items that are still needed for this 120 day journey.
Along with a close-knit community and countless sponsors backing them, we believe that Laurie and Molly have what it takes to reach their fundraising goal and we anxiously look forward to being at their home base, waiting for them as they complete their “Long Ride Home”.
Laurie and Molly visit the new Heroes Garden at Boulder Crest Retreat.