Frisco Enterprise > News
Miles for Mills: Charity event being held to support local soldier
By Matt Wood
Staff writer
Travis Mills knows the true meaning of sacrifice. On April 10, 2012, Mills stepped on an explosive device in Afghanistan, as part of the 82nd Airborne Division. In the process, he lost all four of his limbs and had to undergo extensive medical treatment. Mills has recently made great improvements thanks to the heartfelt support of his community, including previous fundraisers and events.
To help aid Mills in his recovery, the Travis Mills charity benefit and motorcycle Ride, "Miles for Mills," will be held on July 28.
Spearheading the event is Rick Turner, who also served in the 82nd Airborne.
"When I first heard about Travis, I thought 'Well, I want to send this guy my paycheck to help him out,'" Turner said. "My wife said we couldn't really do that, but that we should do what we can to help. We just started reaching out to people, and the support we're getting is incredible. It seems like every door I push comes open."
The goal of the ride is to raise funds to help support Mills in his recovery, and raise awareness of the service that men and women on the frontline provide to Americans every day.
"Basically, we're trying to help Travis, his wife, his daughter and the rest of his family as much as we can," Turner said. "And I'd like to make sure people are aware that these people overseas are risking their lives to keep us safe at home."
The ride will begin at Strokers Dallas at 9 a.m., and lead all the way to the American Legion in Lake Dallas.
"The ride itself is going to be incredible enough," Turner said. "We've got a full-blown presidential escort from the Dallas Police Department, with about 36 bikes escorting us up there."
Upon arrival, the cyclists will be greeted by a myriad of patriotic decorum to honor our veterans and soldiers.
"When the bike riders get to the Legion, we're going to have two 150-foot tall fire truck ladders on either side of the road, with huge American flags hanging from them," Turner said. "And we're also trying to get an exact replica of the Liberty Bell, so we can ring it as they come through. That should be an amazing sight to see."
At noon, the America Legion will be hosting several fundraiser events in honor of Travis, including dart and poker tournaments, a silent auction, and a raffle. Additionally, Texas Roadhouse will be providing food at $10 a plate.
"Anything from autographed Cowboys' hats to Texas Rangers sport items will be available at the auction," Turner said. "Even paintings and flat screen TVs. And we'll be raffling off dinner for two at the Roadhouse, or Applebee's, and things like a free haircut, or manicures and pedicures."
In the future, Turner hopes the Travis Mills organization will expand and grow to help be a beneficiary to others who have suffered serious trauma.
"I would like to push this to a full-blown non-profit charity organization," Turner said. "If we could hold events annually -- that would just be fantastic."
Turner says the overwhelming support of the town has been incredibly inspiring to see and that he feels his message has come across in his efforts.
"The community has really opened their arms and embraced this, and we've got a lot of people supporting us," he said. "I just want our soldiers to know we're here for them."
Travis Mills knows the true meaning of sacrifice. On April 10, 2012, Mills stepped on an explosive device in Afghanistan, as part of the 82nd Airborne Division. In the process, he lost all four of his limbs and had to undergo extensive medical treatment. Mills has recently made great improvements thanks to the heartfelt support of his community, including previous fundraisers and events.
To help aid Mills in his recovery, the Travis Mills charity benefit and motorcycle Ride, "Miles for Mills," will be held on July 28.
Spearheading the event is Rick Turner, who also served in the 82nd Airborne.
"When I first heard about Travis, I thought 'Well, I want to send this guy my paycheck to help him out,'" Turner said. "My wife said we couldn't really do that, but that we should do what we can to help. We just started reaching out to people, and the support we're getting is incredible. It seems like every door I push comes open."
The goal of the ride is to raise funds to help support Mills in his recovery, and raise awareness of the service that men and women on the frontline provide to Americans every day.
"Basically, we're trying to help Travis, his wife, his daughter and the rest of his family as much as we can," Turner said. "And I'd like to make sure people are aware that these people overseas are risking their lives to keep us safe at home."
The ride will begin at Strokers Dallas at 9 a.m., and lead all the way to the American Legion in Lake Dallas.
"The ride itself is going to be incredible enough," Turner said. "We've got a full-blown presidential escort from the Dallas Police Department, with about 36 bikes escorting us up there."
Upon arrival, the cyclists will be greeted by a myriad of patriotic decorum to honor our veterans and soldiers.
"When the bike riders get to the Legion, we're going to have two 150-foot tall fire truck ladders on either side of the road, with huge American flags hanging from them," Turner said. "And we're also trying to get an exact replica of the Liberty Bell, so we can ring it as they come through. That should be an amazing sight to see."
At noon, the America Legion will be hosting several fundraiser events in honor of Travis, including dart and poker tournaments, a silent auction, and a raffle. Additionally, Texas Roadhouse will be providing food at $10 a plate.
"Anything from autographed Cowboys' hats to Texas Rangers sport items will be available at the auction," Turner said. "Even paintings and flat screen TVs. And we'll be raffling off dinner for two at the Roadhouse, or Applebee's, and things like a free haircut, or manicures and pedicures."
In the future, Turner hopes the Travis Mills organization will expand and grow to help be a beneficiary to others who have suffered serious trauma.
"I would like to push this to a full-blown non-profit charity organization," Turner said. "If we could hold events annually -- that would just be fantastic."
Turner says the overwhelming support of the town has been incredibly inspiring to see and that he feels his message has come across in his efforts.
"The community has really opened their arms and embraced this, and we've got a lot of people supporting us," he said. "I just want our soldiers to know we're here for them."
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