Krystal Hess And Her Group Have Been Making Big Strides
Photos Courtesy Of Motorcycle Missions (Katie O’Connell, Garrett Stanley, Rudy Ximinez
Originally Published In The April 2018 Issue Of Cycle Source Magazine
Along with the many other splendors of the Dallas IMS Show, we had a chance to catch up with Krystal Hess and her Motorcycle Missions. They debuted a new build on Friday Night at Strokers. Before we get too far into that, I want to catch our readers up on what Motorcycle Missions is. Founded in 2015 by Pediatric Nurse, Krystal Hess, Missions was born out of her own pesonal tragedy. Having just moved to Texas for a new relationship Krystal found herself the witness of her significant other’s suicide attempt. The wake of which left a trail of destruction that included a bike build the two were working on together that was 75% complete. After searching her soul for the answer Krystal decided the only way back was to finish the build. She knew that the only way to close that horrible chapter was to finish it in a positive way, so she did.
“Today, I use motorcycles to overcome my trauma and to help others do the same through my non-profit Motorcycle Missions. My mission is to help individuals with PTS(D) and suicidal ideation find hope and balance through motorcycling. I don’t know where I’d be without motorcycles, so I hope to help others find the same passion.”.
A few years later, Krystal continues to reach more veterans and First Responders. With 22 Vets and 3 EMS taking their own lives each day, this is a noble cause and one that almost certainly touches us all peronsally. Through Missions the work they do gives focus and purpose. Programs like the “The Motorcycle Build Mentorship Program” and “Project MX Motocross Camp” contain incredible stories of dealing with, if not overcoming PTSD. Not that long ago, one of our good buddies Chris Moos of Misfit Industries got deep into the Motorcyce Missions project and we started to pay more attention. On Friday, February 2nd, we were honored to be at Strokers Dallas when Misfit Industries, along with 22Kill.org presented one very deserving Veteran, Tinman, with a new and improved version of his old ride. Since Tinmans EOD, that left him as a double amputee, one eye and three fingers left on his “good hand” he has put a whopping 20K miles on a trike that had definitely seen better days. As is common with this industry we are so lucky to be a part of, the call went out and companies like Legends Suspension, Custom Dynamics, Dakota Digital, Klockwerks, CFR Mufflers and James Carter Seats stepped up without hesitation. Now, Tinman can have the smooth ride he’s earned while he fearlessly defended our right live the life we love. For more information or to support Motorcycle Missions please visit www.motorcycle-missions. org.
