Sunday, May 19, 2024
SPRINGTOWN — A Navy veteran and his wife who own a local business are planning an event to benefit a Purple Heart recipient.
Brian and Meghan Johnson, operators of the motorcycle repair shop B&M Cycles in Springtown, have partnered with the nonprofit Combat Hero Bike Build to modify a side-by-side for Army veteran Travis Strong, who lost both his legs in combat. The Johnsons will host a fundraiser for this project called Freedom Fest 2-6 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at the Chill Zone on West State Highway 199 in Springtown.
Strong grew up in California, but he currently lives on the outskirts of Fort Worth. He has always enjoyed sporting activities as he played football in high school and raced dirt bikes, according to his profile on Combat Hero Bike Build’s website. Strong also always intended to join the military and did just that in 1997. He had been honorably discharged in 2000 but re-enlisted after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. While stationed in Iraq in 2006, Strong’s mobile combat vehicle encountered a bomb.
“I don’t remember any blood or not seeing my leg or feeling any pain,” Strong said, according to the nonprofit. “I just knew I was hurt very badly. It was the worst experience anyone could feel: that dread of dying, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.”
A soldier rushed Strong to a field hospital, the first of many that he would stay at to untangle medical complications from the attack.
“I went through every emotion: anger, sadness, depression and despair,” Strong said. “But I never gave up. I knew everything had changed, but this was also the start of a new life.”
Recovery for Strong has meant getting active. He plays sled hockey and competes in obstacle course races and bike marathons. He even jumps out of airplanes.
“Despite his new challenge of living life without his lower legs, Travis lives life to the fullest and enjoys the great adventures of speed and outdoors,” according to the description of the Freedom Fest fundraiser on Facebook. “Our goal is to give Travis the freedom to get outdoors and race his newly outfitted Can Am Commander 1000 side-by-side over the hills and trails of local Texas.”
The family-friendly Freedom Fest is expected to include refreshments served by food trucks, live music, bounce houses, ax throwing, door prizes, a bike wash and a 50/50 raffle. The entry fee is $10, and $25 will cover entry plus three beers. Young children don’t need to pay for entry.
For more information, find B&M Cycles on Facebook or email info@bandmcycles.com.
