Pocono News Section

Bikers Honor Fallen Soldier

Bikers Honor Fallen Soldier - Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 8:15PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Sunday, Jul 27, 2008 @ 08:15pm EST
ASHLEY, LUZERNE COUNTY- Bikers love to celebrate their freedom on the open road. And Sunday they celebrated a man who died fighting for freedom. Wayne Grilz, Sr. of Ashley said, "Obviously this kid gave the ultimate sacrifice and it's the least we can do for him. and his family."

First Lieutenant Michael J. Cleary was killed in Iraq in December of 2005. He was 24-years-old. Sunday more than 100 bikers honored him at a fundraiser. Wayne Miller of Hanover Township said, "The bikers are some of the most kind hearted people around."

The Band of Brothers Ghost Riders and their friends revved up in Ashley, then traveled through the Poconos. All of the money raised here will go to the Michael J. Cleary Foundation. It's a memorial fund to help the families of soldiers who are hurt or killed in war. Rider Steve Biernacki said, "I'm a Vietnam veteran so I know how important this is for the families and stuff that have loved ones that are injured."

This is the second year for the ride. And the lieutenant's father was overwhelmed with how it's grown. Jack Cleary said, “It puts a lump in my throat."

The foundation has already helped several families. "We just sent out a thousand dollar check to a family that was getting down to see a wounded husband and father," said Jack Cleary.

He hopes to continue giving, to keep the memory of his son alive. And it seems the bikers will be glad to help. "It's just the least we could do to help them out," added Biernacki.

They're celebrating the freedom of the open road and the freedom soldiers like Michael J. Cleary bring to the world.