ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico [July 18] – The Patriot Tour, a 100-day,14,000-mile journey during which motorcycle riders will carry our nation’s flag city-to-city through all 48 continental states to raise money for wounded veterans and their families, comes to Indian Motorcycle Albuquerque on July 17, confirmed Bill Sherer, founder and executive director of the Nation of Patriots. This year’s goal is $400,000 and contributions of any size are welcome at www.nationofpatriots.com. The flag will depart Indian Motorcycle Albuquerque on July 18 for it’s next stop in Bellemont, Arizona on July 19.

In 2014 nearly $100,000 was raised and distributed to families of wounded veterans in New Mexico and across the U.S. “It’s important for people to understand that every dollar they contribute to this effort directly benefits wounded vets and their families. The Nation of Patriots is an entirely volunteer organization so 100 percent of the money raised benefits those for whom it is intended,” Sherer said.

As many as 150,000 riders nationwide, including many from throughout New Mexico, are expected to participate in the 2015 Patriot Tour that arrives in Indian Motorcycle Albuquerque, 4509 Alameda Blvd, Albuquerque between 12:30 AM and 1:00 PM on July 17 where the New Mexico Patriot Guards will greet the Flag. A flag-transfer ceremony will follow at 1:30. July 18, one rider will take the flag-bearer’s oath and at 12:30 PM the flag will be fastened to his motorcycle for the ride to Grand Canyon Harley Davidson, accompanied by riders from Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Eagles Nest. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the flag transfer ceremony and join the riders, Sherer said.

“The Patriot Tour is a unified tribute to each and every one of our nation’s veterans, military personnel and their families,” he said. “We understand their sacrifices and stand in awe of the contributions they have made and do make every day so that all Americans may walk free, live free, be free.”

In addition to the ceremony Susana Martinez, governor of New Mexico, has issued a proclamation declaring July 17, 2015  Nation of Patriots Day throughout New Mexico.

On Saturday, September 5 the flag will return to Wisconsin, landing first at Harley-Davidson of Madison and then will travel 40 miles north to Beaver Dam. After a parade through the downtown it will move to Hogz N Honeez Bar & Grill east of Beaver Dam, for the homecoming ceremony and celebration. A complete routing schedule for the flag can be found at www.nationofpatriots.com/the-patriot-tour.html .

One Man’s Vision; 150,000 Answer the Call

The idea for the Patriot Tour came to Sherer in 2009 while riding in the eastern United States, carrying the American flag on the back of his motorcycle in support of the sacrifices that his friends, mostly veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, had made on behalf of our country. He rode all 33 states east of the Mississippi, raising money for the families of wounded veterans. Ending in Milwaukee, Sherer worked with the VA Hospital there to direct the money he had raised, to military families.

“I realized that my voice was not strong enough to rally a nation,” he said.  “So I founded the Nation of Patriots. I wanted to include as many proud Americans as possible to stand with me in a collective salute of appreciation to the U.S. military.”

More than 150,000 riders across the U.S., many of them veterans, have answered the Nation of Patriots’ call each spring since 2010 and volunteered to take part in the annual Patriot Tour.

Riders interested in participating locally or across the country are encouraged to pre-register at www.nationofpatriots.com. Each rider is asked to make a $5 donation that will be used to augment funds raised throughout the tour for distribution to the families of wounded veterans.

Founded in 2009 by Bill Sherer and headquartered in Milwaukee, the Nation of Patriots is an independent, non-partisan 501(C)3, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide financial support to the families of wounded men and women who have volunteered their lives in the preservation, protection and future of the United States and its citizens. More information, donor opportunities, photos, video and a complete Patriot Tour schedule can be found at https://www.nationofpatriots.com.

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The Nation of Patriots

Fact Sheet 2015

The Nation of Patriots (NoP) was founded in 2008 by Milwaukee, Wisconsin native, Bill Sherer, in response to the struggle some veterans encountered as they attempted to apply for benefits. Frustrated that he could live a comfortable life while the men and women who fought to preserve that right were suffering, Sherer was inspired to create NoP.

• NoP’s focus is to provide financial support to those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and their families.

• NoP is a 501(c)3 non profit organization. Transparency is an important pillar of the organization, with 100 percent of donations directly benefitting veterans and their families.

• NoP operates through the generosity of an entire volunteer staff, furthering the organization’s mission to see that all money taken in goes directly to those for whom it is intended.

• Any administrative/overhead costs NoP incurs are covered by separate corporate sponsors and yearly t-shirt sales. Additionally, once these expenses are covered, any additional funding is added to the funds that support wounded veterans.

• NoP works closely with VA hospitals in each state to identify veterans most in need and distributes funds accordingly

In 2009, Sherer rode through all 33 states east of the Mississippi River, carrying a flag on the back of his motorcycle in support of his friends, mostly veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Raising money for wounded veterans as he traveled, Sherer returned to Milwaukee and worked with the local VA hospital to see that the funds were distributed to veterans and their families in need. It was during this 33-state journey that Sherer realized that his one voice was not strong enough to rally a nation; the idea for The Patriot Tour was born.

• Today, The Patriot Tour is a 100-day, 14,000 mile journey of one American flag with stops in all 48 contiguous United States. The flag is shepherded city-to-city on the back of a motorcycle and escorted by groups of volunteer riders.

• The Tour runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, beginning and ending in Wisconsin.

• Each year more than 150,000 riders nationwide participate in this effort to raise funds for wounded veterans and to honor the brave men and women who serve.

• In 2014, NoP raised $90,000, 100 percent of which went directly into the hands of those veterans and their families most in need. The 2015 goal is $200,000.

• Participation in The Tour costs nothing, however, riders are asked to make a $5 donation when possible.

A uniting aspect of The Patriot Tour and NoP as a whole is a deep respect for the Flag, this nation and the men and women charged with protecting it. This earnest patriotism leads to moving experiences throughout the Tour and in the lives of veterans it aids.

• In Las Vegas, NV the Flag has flown with servicemen on a mission from Nellis Air Force Base.

• The Flag has flown over several state capitals – this year in Tallahassee, FL.

• In 2015 – the Baton Rouge, LA stop of the Tour will take place on the USS KIDD. This year, Miss America will participate in the July 4 event.

• The Flag has flown with The Blue Angels, The Panama City Hurricane Hunter, Las Vegas Fighter Squadron and over the U.S. State Capital building in Washington D.C..

• All along the Tour, riders are stopped by passersby inquiring about the Flag. Once the Tour and NoP are explained, the flag bearer is often met with tearful salutes, hugs and thank yous.