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Rally4Vets Weekly Roll Call Keeping the wheels turning and the vibes high! Hey Rally4Vets riders! Another week, another set of spinning spokes, sore legs, and serious bragging rights. Here’s who crushed it on the leaderboard this week: Mileage Master:   This week’s mileage monster is  … Lenny F. with a whopping   321.3 logged King/Queen of the Mountain:   Elevation champ goes to Barry S. with 6,181 vertical feet. Epic Ride of the Week:   Biggest single ride goes to   Gordo M. with 72.1 miles, followed closely by Barry Sherry. Rally4Vets Founder Robert Hess Honorable Mentions & Shoutouts:   Got a cool ride story, a scenic route, or just want to give kudos to a buddy? Drop it in the comments or DM me, and I’ll feature it next week! Join the Squad!   If you’re not part of the fun yet, what are you waiting for? Join the Rally4Vets Strava group here: https://www.strava.com/clubs/693054  and ride with purpose. Because every mile we ride helps build community and support veterans. 🚴‍♂️🇺🇸 #Hooah #Allez-y

Sunday Morning Stress Buster Ride: A Comedy in Lycra 😎🚴‍♂️ They say exercise reduces stress. I say: have you seen  me trying to clip into my pedals before coffee? Sunday morning’s ride was the perfect escape. Just me, the open road, and a battle between my legs and gravity. Spoiler alert: gravity won a few rounds. But hey, I stayed upright and only talked to myself out loud twice . Progress! Need a laugh or want to see where I rode into the California coastal May Gray (a bit early) inside? Watch the recap here 👉 Relive It! Rally4Vets Cycling is a group of veterans turning the cranks all across the US. Don't have a local cycling group (or just want to have some friendly interaction with fellow vets)? Join our Strava.com group. Allez-y! Some of the Team at the 2024 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a challenging mental health condition that many veterans face. Exercise has shown promising results in alleviating PTSD symptoms. Bicycling, in particular, blends physical activity and mindfulness, which can be therapeutic. Research indicates that regular exercise can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress for those dealing with PTSD. For example, a study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that veterans who engaged in regular physical activity saw a 20% decrease in PTSD symptoms after 12 weeks. Rally4Vets is a military veteran cycling group that brings veterans together on Strava. The initiative underscores that veterans are not alone in their journeys. Through cycling, they can regain purpose and connection—two essential components of healing and improved mental health. Whether your goal is to enhance fitness, reduce stress, or find community, cycling can be a transformative experience. So, grab your bike, hit the trails, and start pedaling your way to peace and wellness. Each pedal stroke brings you closer to a healthier life! Join us on Strava at - https://www.strava.com/clubs/693054

As most of you know, sponsors, donors, and volunteers have the opportunity to drive one of our race cars at the annual Top Dog Championship to feel the thrill of driving a real race car on an actual race track. Super fun! To date, we have used our 1997 NA Miata - the Rally4Vets edition - and our C6 Corvette. Both of these are wonderful cars and people have loved driving them. But, we think it's time to update "our rides" and give our community a more modern experience. We're a charity so the car we choose needs to be: affordable; dependable; drivable (for all experience levels; and FUN! There are a number of options and one of them is Toyota's fabulous GR86. The Toyota Team recently posted the following Instagram Reel. We think the GR86 is a contender? Do you agree? Who else should be in the mix? Here's what the Rally4Vets GR86 would look like. Well, assuming Falken decides to partner with us!

The energy in our Washington, DC, office is absolutely electric as the Rally4Vets team hustles to bring the Rally4Vets Military Inaugural Ball  to life. Just a stone’s throw from the Fairmont Hotel—our stunning venue for January 20th—we’ve turned our office into “Mission Control.” And trust us, nothing happens without a fantastic team, and Rally4Vets has one of the best. From brainstorming seating arrangements to finalizing the guest list, our team is firing on all cylinders! This behind-the-scenes photo offers a little peek at the organized chaos (we call it controlled brilliance!) that’s happening here. The whiteboard you see in the background? That’s where dreams meet logistics. We’ve got lists, timelines, diagrams, and a few inspirational quotes scribbled in for good measure. At Rally4Vets, we know that precision planning isn’t just for race cars—it’s the key to executing an unforgettable event like this one. What Makes This Ball So Special? If you haven’t heard about the Rally4Vets Military Inaugural Ball , let us fill you in! This apolitical celebration honors the vital role of our military in safeguarding democracy. And while the formalities are an important part, this event is all about heart. With a focus on raising funds for service dogs to prevent veteran suicide, the theme “We Drive. They Survive.” ties directly into our motorsports-inspired mission. Not only will you experience an elegant evening, but you’ll also have the chance to see one of Toyota's Camry NASCAR racecars proudly displayed at the entrance of the Fairmont Hotel. Whether it’s the long King’s tables set to welcome 10 guests each or the promise of mingling with military leaders, veteran business owners, and senior defense industry executives, this is the kind of night that only happens once every four years. The Team Making It Happen Behind every great event is an even greater team. From the logistics gurus sketching out timelines to the creative minds fine-tuning every detail of the program, everyone is fully invested in delivering an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Whether it’s drafting invitations (like the one pictured above), coordinating with the hotel staff, or fielding dozens (and dozens) of calls from excited attendees, there’s no task too big or small for this powerhouse crew. What’s Next? With less than a month to go, every day counts! Tickets are flying, sponsors are rolling in, and the buzz is building. But this isn’t just about getting the job done—it’s about celebrating something bigger than ourselves. As January 20th inches closer, our office becomes more than just a workspace; it’s the epicenter of a movement to honor our military and support our veterans. If you haven’t yet secured your spot at the Rally4Vets Military Inaugural Ball, what are you waiting for? Visit rally4vets.com/inauguralball  to reserve your tickets, learn more about the event, and become part of a night that promises elegance, camaraderie, and purpose. Stay tuned as we keep you updated on all the behind-the-scenes excitement. It’s going to be a night to remember—and we can’t wait to share it with you! The Rally4Vets Team

Happy Holidays from the Rally4Vets and DVEN Team!

Army vs. Navy: the classic gridiron rivalry. When it comes to one of the fiercest rivalries in American sports, Army vs. Navy on the football field takes center stage every year. With Navy leading the series 63-55-7, it’s fair to say they’ve had the edge regarding touchdowns and tackles. But let’s talk about a different battlefield—one with horsepower, precision, and the smell of burning rubber. Welcome to the Rally4Vets Top Dog Championships , the world's only  military team motorsports competition. And guess what? Navy’s not winning here. For four years running, Army has been the team to beat Navy at the Top Dog Championship. With their unmatched teamwork, grit, and maybe just a touch of tactical genius, Army has dominated the racetrack. They clinched the coveted Top Dog Trophy  outright in 2021 and 2022, leaving Navy—and the rest of the service teams—in their rearview mirror. What Gives, Navy? Sure, you’ve got a stellar football record, but let’s face it: winning on the racetrack takes more than just a playbook and a pep talk. It takes strategy, speed, and maybe a little extra oomph  in the engine. And every October, Army seems to have that formula locked down tighter than Fort Knox. But here’s the thing, Navy. You’ve got a chance to change the narrative. The 5th Annual Rally4Vets Top Dog Championships  is heading back to Summit Point Motorsports Park on October 11-12, 2025 , and we’re throwing down the gauntlet. Will 2025 be the year Navy finally gets their act together and brings the fight to Army? Or will the Black Knights continue to show their dominance on the track? Why It Matters While we love the friendly rivalry, the Rally4Vets Top Dog Championships  is about more than just bragging rights. It’s about honoring our military community and supporting Rally4Vets’ critical mission: reducing veteran suicide. Each team is made up of amateur motorsports enthusiasts from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. They come together for one epic event that blends speed, camaraderie, and an unrelenting desire to win—all while raising awareness for a great cause. But hey, Navy, if the Army team can pull it off year after year, what’s stopping you? Surely there’s a sailor out there who can pilot a car as well as they can steer a ship, right? A Call to the Fleet So here’s the challenge to you, Navy: let’s make this 5th Anniversary Championship the most competitive yet. Rally your team. Tune your engines. Bring the heat. The Army team might be cruising in the fast lane now, but every streak has to end sometime. Right it? Mark your calendars for October 11-12, 2025 , and get ready for a showdown at Summit Point Motorsports Park. Whether you’re rooting for Army to extend their dominance or cheering for Navy to finally step up, this year’s Top Dog Championship promises to be a battle for the ages. Let the countdown begin! Bookmark https://www.rally4vets.com/topdogchampionship and visit on February 15, 2025, for early registration. P.S. Navy, just remember: we’re all friends off the track… but on it? Army’s got the throttle wide open, and they’re not looking back. *Written by a proud Army veteran:-)

DVEN and Rally4Vets hosted the 4th Annual Top Dog Championship  at Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia on October 12th. It was a picture-perfect race day , with sunny skies and a high of 75 degrees, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown. A total of 84 veteran and active-duty drivers  hit the track to compete for Top Dog honors and promote veteran suicide awareness . Final Team Standings: The Air Force  soared to victory with a total of 560 points . Despite an impressive effort, the Army finished just behind at 540 points , even after clinching the post-race trivia contest  bonus. The Marines  followed closely with 440 points , securing third place. Here’s how all the teams fared: 1st Place:  Air Force – 560 points (20 drivers) 2nd Place:  Army – 540 points (22 drivers) 3rd Place:  Marine Corps – 440 points (15 drivers) 4th Place:  Navy – 300 points (15 drivers) 5th Place: Coast Guard - 130 points (5 drivers) 6th Place:  Space Force – 50 points (1 driver) 7th Place:  National Guard – 30 points (1 driver) Individual Highlights: The overall fastest driver  was once again Danny Kao  of the Air Force, dominating the course in his Porsche 911 . Top Dog Winners: Twenty-one drivers earned the coveted Top Dog title  by winning their class. These champions came from both Novice and Experienced classes : Army:  6 winners Air Force:  5 winners Marine Corps:  5 winners Navy:  3 winners Space Force:  1 winner Coast Guard:  1 winner Cars, Cars, Cars Porsches were the most popular cars on the track this year, with 15  entries, followed by Ford (10), BMW (8), Subaru (8), Honda (6), VW (5),  and Mini Cooper (4) . A McLaren graced the track, adding a touch of exotic flair. Our Drivers We had 30 seasoned drivers and 55 drivers in the novice class. SR2 and SR3 classes were the most competitive classes, with 12 and 19 drivers, respectively. Top Dog Trophy Presentation We will recognize the Air Force’s triumph on January 20, 2025, at the Military Inaugural Ball, to be held at the Fairmont Hotel in Georgetown.  The presentation will honor the dedication and skill of all participants who made the 2024 Top Dog Championships an unforgettable event. [Details on the Military Inaugural Ball are at www.rally4vets.com/inauguralball .] Thank You to All Participants and Sponsors We want to thank every driver who participated in the 4th Annual Top Dog Championship. Your dedication, sportsmanship, and support for veteran suicide awareness  made this event unforgettable. A special thanks to our sponsors, whose generous contributions made the day possible. We’d also like to remind everyone to check in on their buddies . Sometimes, a simple phone call or text can make all the difference. Together, we can save lives. Mark your calendars for next year’s Top Dog Championship [October 11-12, 2025] . We can’t wait to see you back on the track! Hooah!

Rally4Vets Proudly Supports Vet the Vote: Veterans Taking the Lead to Protect Democracy At Rally4Vets and the Disabled Veteran Empowerment Network (DVEN), we believe that service to our nation doesn’t end with the conclusion of a military career. That’s why we are proud to be a coalition partner with We the Veterans and Families  on their Vet the Vote program, a non-political initiative that empowers veterans to continue supporting democracy by becoming poll workers during elections. The need for poll workers in the United States is critical. Elections require a staggering one million poll workers to function smoothly, ensuring that every vote is counted fairly and securely. Yet, finding enough volunteers can be a challenge. Enter Vet the Vote, which taps into the natural sense of duty and service that military veterans bring to the table. So far, 143,498 veterans have stepped up, with veterans now making up 14% of the nation's poll workers—an impressive number, considering that veterans only represent about 6% of the U.S. population. This overrepresentation speaks volumes about the continued commitment veterans have to safeguarding the democratic process, just as they once protected our nation in uniform. At Rally4Vets, we are proud to support this essential work. Veteran participation as poll workers isn’t just a logistical solution—it’s a powerful symbol of what our democracy stands for. Veterans know firsthand the value of freedom and understand the importance of ensuring that every citizen has the right to have their voice heard. To all the veterans who have answered this call to service, we offer a heartfelt “thank you.” Your dedication is a reminder of how service to our country extends beyond the battlefield, continuing in the very fabric of our democracy. As we move forward, let’s encourage even more veterans to join this movement. Together, we can ensure that our elections are run smoothly, fairly, and securely, preserving the democratic ideals that so many have fought to defend. If you're a veteran interested in joining this mission, there is still time and Vet the Vote is ready to welcome you.  Simply visit https://Vet.The.Vote

Picture this: the sun is shining, the Hankook Ventus R-S4 tires are ready to conquer the road, and the Rally4Vets C6 Corvette stands proudly at the Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, 1,713 miles after leaving Newport Beach, California, on the 2024 Be The One road rally for veteran suicide prevention. We mounted these tires for track day use and found they are also great on the highway! Rally4Vets: Driving for a Cause Rally4Vets isn't just any road trip; it's a powerful mission dedicated to veteran suicide prevention. We drove 5,452.8, including the entire length of iconic US Highway 20, America's Medal of Honor Highway. Conquering the Open Road What tires do you have mounted? And where is your favorite destination? Rally4Vets has an ambassador program that might just provide some great weekend fun and some very sweet merch! Check back for more information. Uniting for a Cause Join us in saluting Rally4Vets and their unwavering dedication to our veterans. Together, we can spread the message of hope, support, and awareness for those who have bravely served our nation. So, the next time you hit the road, remember the spirit of Rally4Vets and the difference that passion and purpose can make. Start your engines and share where your tires are taking you! #DriveForACause #Rally4Vets #HankookVentus

The 2024 Be The One Rally for Veteran Suicide Prevention – the Final Post There’s nothing quite like the open road. The hum of the engine, the blur of the scenery, and the thrill of discovering the next unknown town.  Now, imagine doing that across 5,452.8 miles, with one mission in mind: raising awareness for veteran suicide prevention. This was my story from August 2nd to August 21st.  An epic (at least for me) drive from Los Angeles to the National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in our C6 Corvette – “America’s Sportscar.” A “Vet in a ‘Vette” for America’s veterans.  Proud to be supporting the American Legion’s “Be The One” suicide prevention campaign. The Journey Begins: Newport Beach, California to Newport, Oregon With a salute to the flag at American Legion Post 291 in Newport Harbor (my home Legion post), I turned north.  My first stop was at the American Legion Department of California's headquarters in Sanger, California, and then on to Newport, Oregon, through beautiful northern California and southern Oregon.  Northern California and the southern Oregon Pacific coast were spectacular.  After a pit stop and rest day in Newport, Oregon, the real adventure began: US Highway 20, stretching from the Pacific Ocean all the way to Boston, Massachusetts.  US Highway 20: America’s Medal of Honor Highway. The Mother Road: US Highway 20 Adventures US Highway 20 is often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, Route 66, but make no mistake, US 20 is the real “Mother Road.” As Woody Guthrie once sang, “This land is your land,” and there’s no better way to feel that than on Highway 20.  It was a journey of extremes—driving through the Cascade Mountains of eastern Oregon, the vast prairies of Wyoming, and the rolling fields of Iowa. It’s a route that gives you a true perspective on how expansive—and diverse—America is. We found ourselves immersed in a variety of life experiences, from chatting with farmers in South Dakota to meeting Native American artisans in Wyoming.  One minute we were basking in the glory of Mount Rushmore (a place I never tire of visiting), and the next, we were grabbing a scoop of vanilla ice cream made from Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe. [I’m happy to share the recipe!]. Talk about a sweet treat for history buffs! American Legion Stops and Friendly Faces This trip wasn’t just about seeing the sights; it was about connecting with people, especially those at American Legion posts. We made stops in small towns and big cities, visiting countless Legion halls. Each post welcomed us with open arms, eager to hear about our mission and share their own stories. From Bend, Oregon, to Cody, Wyoming, to Rapid City, South Dakota, and beyond, we were met with a warm sense of camaraderie and support for the Be The One campaign. And trust me, driving a Corvette plastered with veteran support graphics is a surefire way to start conversations! Message Reach What a trip.  We stopped at 15 American Legion posts, had TV interviews in six cities, and even had people following our GPS tracker, including people in Canada and Italy. Plus, of course, our Instagram and Facebook followers. A Few Unexpected Surprises One of the most memorable moments came in Boston, where we made a late-night visit to the USS Constitution in Charlestown Harbor.   The rain was falling, but the wind was calm, and there was something almost magical about seeing “Old Ironsides” glistening in the harbor. Boston itself held another surprise: the Marriott in Boston Harbor provides free lodging to veterans being treated for PTSD through Operation Homefront. It was a humbling reminder of the many ways people are working to support veterans across this great country. And of course, no cross-country trip would be complete without a detour to Niagara Falls. We hopped on the Maid of the Mist and sailed right up to the base of the American Falls, getting thoroughly soaked in the process. Sometimes, you just have to embrace the adventure! Reflecting on the Road and Looking Ahead All told, we drove just over 100 hours, covering 5,452.8 miles, all in a Sparco Evo race seat  with a six-point racing harness donated by our great partners at OG Racing .  The seat was really comfortable, though maybe that’s the helicopter pilot in me talking.  After flying for eight hours on a nylon seat with just a five-minute break, like every other hot refueling, a padded seat is simply downright luxurious! This journey was epic in every sense of the word. America is such a varied and beautiful country, and I felt honored and blessed to be able to make this drive, raising awareness for such an important cause. As much as I enjoyed the trip, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed more time to soak it all in truly. That’s why we’re doing it again in 2025, and we’re looking for sponsors who want to connect with America’s 21+ million veteran community. We're gearing up for the 2025 rally, and we’re looking for sponsors who want to make a difference in the lives of America's veterans. And their families.   If you're passionate about supporting our veteran community and want to see your brand featured on this epic journey, reach out to us today and Join Us on the Next Adventure! Contact us at Robert @ rally4vets.com to learn more! ” Until then, keep your eyes on the road and your heart open to adventure.  America is waiting to be explored, one mile at a time. #Hooah #GoArmy Once again, thanks to the companies that support our Rally4Vets programs: Just Driven LLC Navy Federal Credit Union RiactionUSA Apex Race Parts Success Foundry OG Racing Race Keeper

If you enjoy road trips and want to experience the breadth of America's geography and beauty, I suggest you schedule three weeks of your life and drive US Highway 20, America's longest contiguous highway, coast to coast. What an experience! The 2024 Rally4Vets route goes checked off my personal bucket list. It's been epic so far and I'm only about 1/3 finished. The full trip is outlined below: Los Angeles to Washington, DC by way of Newport, Oregon, across the US to Boston, on US Highway 20 - America's National Medal of Honor Highway The 4th annual Top Dog Championships at Summit Point Motorsports Park on 10/12/2024 The Rally4Vets Military Inaugural Ball on January 26, 2024 [The Corvette - or a new one] will be the centerpiece of the Ball's theme - "We Drive. They Survive."* Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles. My co-driver [my daughter] met me in Cleveland for the remainder of the trip. The first stop was a two-hour visit to the Museum of Rock and Roll in Cleveland. We needed two days. This is a bucket list item if you like music. It is the most amazing museum I have ever visited. It was simply amazing. Our next stop was the American Legion Post 62 In Dunkirk, New York, and then Post 381 in Niagra Falls. Both Posts now have commemorative Rally4Vets 'libation liberation devices' for their bars. We're now headed for Springfield, MA and the US 20 terminus in Boston. Allez!