A spectacle of patriotism was presented in Malibu on Sunday, Sept. 10, during the 10th annual Ride to the Flags—a fundraising event to help wounded veterans that has been growing in numbers every year.
As nearly 3,000 flags waved on high on the lawn of Pepperdine University across the street, 400 motorcyclists—many with American flags adorning their bikes—convoyed to Malibu Bluffs Park in a show of solidarity and charity for wounded soldiers.
The Ride to the Flags started earlier in the day at the naval base in Ventura County, and included a 21-gun salute and wreath-laying ceremony to honor veterans. Then motorcyclists from all over Southern California (and as far away as Arizona, Florida and New York) —along with a few specialty lead cars, jeeps and sidecar bikes— began the 45-minute group ride down Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu Bluffs Park.
The riders, all volunteer fundraisers, were greeted at the park by a gigantic American flag suspended in air by two hook and ladder fire trucks, Boy Scout Troop 412 color guard from Fountain Valley, volunteers handing out small American flags and scores of spectators cheering to welcome them.
The Ride to the Flags and Wave of Flags memorial at Pepperdine are now iconic annual traditions in Malibu. They were started—along with the White Heart Foundation—by 2009 Pepperdine graduate Ryan Sawtelle, also a 2016 Dolphin Award winner.
The White Heart Foundation finds wounded warriors in need and helps them by providing special equipment like track chairs, housing, medical services, rehabilitation and equipment they may require. Every year a deserving vet is the beneficiary of funds collected from the ride.
This year, Zac Gore of Connecticut will receive a special car to drive his family, which includes four children all under age eight. Gore stepped on an IUD in 2013 while serving in Afghanistan and lost limbs. Gore may also face additional amputation.
Sawtelle said the foundation found out about Gore through other veterans.
“A lot of times, these warriors are too proud to ask for help,” Sawtelle explained. “There’s a lot of misunderstanding that when you are an injured veteran or an amputee that you get a blank check from the government and everything’s fine. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
“There’s a lot these men and women need that they don’t get and end up paying for out of pocket. It’s really sad. If Joe Public knew exactly what was going on, they’d be up in arms about it.”
One veteran named Wardog drove another combat veteran to the event to support him.
“It’s all about combat veterans helping fellow veterans get back out into the world and re-experience life. Some of them used to ride prior to their injuries so to get them back on a motorcycle is giving them a little freedom back,” Wardog, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, commented. “Thanks to everybody paying attention to these guys. They’re some of the most stoic individuals.”
Former Marine Matt Martin was injured while serving in Kuwait and said the Ride to the Flags is very important to him.
“I served all over the world starting in 1998 and it sucked, but we went where we were told to go,” he shared. “I joined the Marine Corps because I love my country. If I could’ve joined back up after 9/11, I would have.”
Injuries prevented Martin from re-enlisting. He was driven to the event in a motorcycle sidecar.
“I don’t smile much,” he said “I’ve seen a lot of death—lost a lot of people. I just lost my wife to breast cancer. I’m not a smiling person. I have PTSD, bipolar because of it, but when I get together with these guys, they make me smile.”
The motorcyclists and veterans gathered on the lawn at Malibu Bluffs Park after the ride for drinks, food and camaraderie.
Volunteer Mari Stanley of Malibu greeted riders and handed out flags.
“This event is important because 100 percent of the funds raised go directly to the beneficiary,” Stanley said. “I challenge charities to match this. It’s my favorite active duty and military support event.”
