NEWBERRY, Mich. (WLUC)—American Legion bikers from the U.P. and Michigan’s Lower Peninsula stopped at Newberry on Saturday as part of the From Hell to Paradise Ride. The goal is to raise awareness of PTSD in first responders and veterans. About 500 riders met for lunch at Newberry’s American Legion. Event organizer Scott Igo said the trip perfectly represents PTSD.

“When you’re living with PTSD, you’re in a personal hell,” Igo said. “So you always want to get to your happy place, you know, your personal paradise.”

The ride also raises funds for non-profits like ZeroDuck30. The non-profit’s president, Anthony Jurich, said 22 veterans commit suicide daily.

“We can’t do anything for what’s already happened,” Zurich said. “We can only be there with them after the fact, try to reintegrate them into the civilian world.”

His organization has three different programs, such as duck hunting, cornhole and motorcycling to help give veterans an outlet. Jurich said he had a mental health crisis once, but one phone call saved his life.

“If this worked for me, it’s gotta keep another veteran around for another day,” Zurich added. “This place is gonna be a better place with them than without them, and we would rather our vets and first responders be around for a long time.”

Igo said they’ll ride another five hours Saturday on backroads and scenic routes.

“The amount of support that we’ve gained—it’s just an awesome event, and I hope we can continue it in the future and keep helping veterans and get that number from 22 a day down to zero,” Igo said.

After Paradise, the group will head to Sault Ste. Marie for a ceremony. Participants will be handed out rewards like Best Bike and Oldest Veteran Rider.

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