‘Thunder on the Dam’ revving up

By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula

Children of veterans who have died on active duty since 9/11 will benefit from the second annual Thunder on the Dam event Saturday, Sept. 20. Organizers expect more than 100 motorcycle riders from all over the state to participate in the ride around the Hill Country.

“Last year it was 99 miles, but this year it will be 80-something miles,” said Sean O’Brien, assistant road captain for the American Legion Riders and event organizer. “It’s not that it was too far, for a motorcycle rider -- 99 miles is nothing. But, it got kind of long because we stop along the way to support local businesses.”

This year, the American Legion has raised $1 million nationwide for the Legacy Scholarship Fund. Altogether, $30,000 has been raised locally since the program began, O’Brien said.

“We all support our vets, but this gives their families a chance to support their children” in their higher education goals, he explained. “They gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

O’Brien, who lives in Burnet, is a member of American Legion Post 593 in Converse, Texas. He is the son of a Vietnam veteran and active in the organization as the son of a legionnaire.

The event raised $2,500 last year and he hopes to double that this year. “This is one of the biggest charities we support,” he said.

For the full story, see Friday's Highlander.