MORGANTOWN — The 8th Annual PFC Andrew Martin “Bo” Harper Memorial Ride is set for Aug. 14 in and around Morgantown. Registration will be from 9-11 a.m. at the Frosted Mug. The ending party will begin at 6 p.m. at Sabraton Station.
Bikers, Bros & Bo works to honor and support local veterans and their families. The nonprofit’s goal each year is to increase the endowment fund set up at Your Community Foundation in PFC Andrew Martin “Bo” Harper’s name to award scholarships to students from a Monongalia or Harrison County school.
“This scholarship in Bo’s memory provides a permanent way to honor his life and service to our country,” said Laurie Abildso, Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc. vice president. “YCF is proud to partner with the Harper family and Bikers, Bros & Bo, Inc. to provide students in our region with scholarship support.”
In addition, the organization donates to The Fisher House, Wreaths Across America at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, cover a local veteran’s yearly meals through Meals on Wheels and Adopt a Veteran Family for Christmas.
PFC Andrew Martin Harper, 19, of Maidsville, was killed in action March 11, 2011 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Andrew obtained the rank of PFC/E3 and was assigned to Co I, 3d Squadron, 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment Vilseck, Germany.
Company Commander Capt. Daniel Bourke remembered PFC Andrew Martin “Bo” Harper as being “one of the finest infantrymen” in Company I. Andrew’s father, Steve Harper of Morgantown, reminds others that “Bo was not only my son, but my best friend. He was not only a hero to me, but a hero to a nation. A nation that’s indebted to him, for he gave all.”
Harper continues, saying that “each year [during the Memorial Ride] it is hard to relive the memories and feelings, however, this ride helps me get through days of sorrow and it is a way to keep his memory alive.”
Since 2014, which was the first year of this memorial ride, Bikers, Bros & Bo has been able to continue to support local veterans’ organization and donate scholarship funds with the support of the ride and assistance of donations from members of our community and area businesses.
Sponsorships and donations are welcomed all year ‘by reaching out to the organization via its website at https://bikersbrosand bo.com/donate/.
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