Operation Gratitude’s 500,000th CARE Package – New Custom Motorcycle

The latest update on this huge event from
 EzJ, President of South Bay Biker Productions

“On Sunday, I rode from Redondo Beach, CA to the National Guard Armory in Van Nuys to participate in sending Operation Gratitude’s 450,000th CARE package to our soldiers deployed in Iraq & Afghanistan. I was also at OPGrat’s HQ as a messenger. Carolyn Blashek, OP Grat’s co-founder, asked me to make the announcement that South Bay Biker Productions & the Shasta Salute to America Motorcycle Rally Staff had finally secured a custom motorcycle that will be designed, built from scratch & donated by Monty Hardt of Klamath Custom Cycles.

The keys to the new bike will be in Operation Gratitude 500,000th CARE package which will be tracked & given to a deployed American soldier this Christmas. During the announcement, I called Monty so he could be introduced and say “hello” to OPGrat’s volunteers over the Armory’s PA system.  When introduced, a big cheer went out for Monty followed by thunderous applause. The Military Channel has  agreed to cover the service member’s receipt of the milestone package.  Monty’s motorcycle will be delivered to the recipient when they return stateside to their home military base. 
     Monty is a modest man. His only request is to be present so he can see the soldier’s face when they take delivery of his bike.  Monty told me, “This is the most important thing I have ever done in my life.”  Monty has 2 daughters.  Both are currently serving our country – 1 is in the Army and the other is in the National Guard. 
     A rendering of the bike will be on display at Monty’s booth at the Shasta Salute to America Motorcycle Rally which is held annually over Independence Day weekend.  Monty will also be running our burnout pit at the Rally. (He assured me that he will be bringing plenty of fresh tires.) Operation Gratitude’s founders, Mrs. Blashek & SSG Elizabeth Cowie will also be leading the American Veterans Traveling Tributes escort from Klamath Falls Home Depot to the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fairgrounds on Wednesday morning, July 1st, running the OPGrat booth & both of these American heroes will be speaking at the AVTT Dedication ceremony held at the Rally on Sunday morning.
This is part of what the Shasta Salute to America Motorcycle Rally is about.  How do you like them apples!”
Jeff Kraus – EZJ
President
www.shastarally.com