I started riding in 1989, just after joining the Navy; I was medically discharged in 2003. Since then, I've met a lot of bikers who are Veterans, and the majority of the people I've talked with have said that motorcycles have been therapeutic for them.
With 22 veterans (and 1 active duty member) taking their lives every day, finding some place that won't put them in debt, where they can spend time with other Vets, and work on their bikes, would be a great start to eliminating the "22+1 a day" statistic.
The cost of taking a motorcycle to a shop is sometimes more than we have on-hand, or in-pocket. Due to that, Vets stop riding when something goes wrong with their bike, or they don't have a friend who is mechanically-inclined. Some shops wont even do an oil change on their motorcycles if it's not the brand that they sell.
So what are we to do?
Our goal is to provide a place of camaraderie, brother and sisterhood, while also giving bikers a place to work on their bikes at no charge, other than the cost of their fluids or parts, which they bring with them.
Hill City Warriors has grown from a temporary structure and a shared vision into a permanent presence in the community.
As of January 10, 2026, Hill City Warriors officially operates out of a commercial shop location in Madison Heights. This milestone represents grassroots efforts, community belief, and a commitment to creating a space where veterans and civilians can work side by side, build skills, and support one another.
This location allows us to offer a safe, consistent, and accessible environment (complete with lifts, tools, and workspace) where riders can work on their motorcycles at no cost, supplying only their own parts and fluids.
Our focus now is on sustainability and impact; strengthening partnerships, expanding access, and continuing to build a community rooted in trust, self-reliance, and mutual support.
This chapter isn’t the finish line. It’s the foundation.