The Ride for Freedom started as a way to show love and support for veterans at Bethany Church in Allentown. It has grown to include military families, supporters and riders from all over the Lehigh Valley, regardless of affiliation.

The volunteers ride out from Bethany Church to nearby community locations to meet the veterans supported with build projects. This is a community ride where riders come from all over.

The featured veteran this year was Bud Dillon.

Dillon was a Hero of Hamburger Hill in Vietnam and decorated patrol officer in the Philadelphia Police Department. By the time he retired from the department, he was the second highest decorated officer in the state.

Both the Ride for Freedom and the Tribute to Our Freedom raise awareness about veteran needs in the Lehigh Valley. Churches, businesses and the community meet the needs of the veterans. This year’s veteran service project is to perform repairs on Dillon’s home.

Bethany Church provides support for these families year-round. The Ride for Freedom also raises awareness about Bethany’s programs.

The group is 100 percent volunteer. Every dollar goes to the project; there are no salaries or offices.

Every year, Bethany Church is made aware of veterans in need. When they go to the homes, there is always more to be done than initially requested.

Needed repairs for Dillon’s home include widening doors and drywall to accommodate an electric wheelchair, angle iron for a handicapped ramp, patio roof moved to garage, storm door, barn door with hardware, toilet and flooring. With volunteer labor the estimate is $2,000 in materials. This is the goal; if less is raised, some things on the list will not get done.

A build day is planned for late July depending on donations.

True Blue House Care of Easton is donating contractor needs.

For more information or to donate, contact Pastor Scotty at scoyle@bethanyumchurch.com.