Bike enthusiast is traveling the country to thank service members – and giving away free Harleys

Harley-Davidson, the Wounded Warrior Project and military enthusiast Adam Sandoval surprised an injured Iraq War veteran Thursday with the gift of a new bike to thank him for his military service.

Sandoval, of Fort Myers, Fla., is traveling across the country as part of Misson: “Thank You,” by giving away eight Harleys. Jeremy Thomas of Raleigh, a U.S. Army veteran injured during the Iraq War, is one of the recipients. After Thomas sat on the bike – a 2018 H-D Street Glide Special – they high-fived in the showroom.

“He took a bullet for our country, for our freedom, that freedom I’m enjoying every day on the road,” said Sandoval, adding another thank you to Thomas for his service and protecting our freedoms.

Sandoval has spent two years traveling 80,000 miles around the country, with his dog Scooter, visiting Harley-Davidson dealerships, including Ray Price Harley-Davidson in Raleigh, and raising money to show support for the military. His website says he raised more than $300,000. He has said he was moved to raise the money because he always wanted to serve in the military and never did.

Sandoval’s group is taking nominations for recipients of more motorcyles. Nominate a current or former military member by sumitting the vet’s story at MissionThankYou.com. Recipients will be chosen by Sandoval and representatives of the Wounded Warrior Project and Harley-Davidson.

Sandoval will chronicle his journey on Facebook and Twitter as he travels the U.S. delivering the bikes.