World War II veteran E. Bruce Heilman is riding 6,000 miles across the country to celebrate the end of World War II. He's getting escorts from Legion Riders along the way, and got some major help when severe weather stalled him in Atlanta over the weekend. (Photo by John Napolitano)

Riders step up to help one of their own

On April 23, E. Bruce Heilman headed out on a 6,000-mile motorcycle ride to celebrate the end of World War II. Just two days into the ride, the World War II veteran ran into thunderstorms that would have kept him off the road and put him way behind schedule – were it not for a couple of fellow Legion Riders.

When they found out that Heilman was stuck in Atlanta and needed to get to Shreveport, La., Bob Christie and Denis Graffum – Legion Riders with Heilman at Maj. Charles A. Ransom Post 186 in Midlothian, Va. – drove more than 500 miles to Atlanta with a trailer on the back of Christie’s truck.

After arriving in Atlanta at 2:30 a.m., the pair picked up Heilman and made sure he got to Shreveport, driving nearly 600 miles. The pair then headed back home to Richmond, Va. – a trip totalling nearly 1,200 miles.

Legion Riders also accompanied Heilman from his starting point in Quantico, Va., to Charlotte, N.C. – nearly 400 miles each way. To follow Heilman's journey, click here.