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The Highground Veterans Memorial's Ride to Remember Raises Over $10,000

Tuesday, August 25th, 2026 -- 1:00 PM

On Saturday, August 15, 2026, The Highground welcomed motorcycle riders and supporters for the 26th Annual Ride to Remember.

Under gorgeous summer skies, riders gathered to honor the courage and sacrifice of military service members and support The Highground’s mission to serve veterans and their families.

The beautiful weather brought wonderful energy to the event, creating an atmosphere filled with camaraderie, reflection, and gratefulness. Together, riders, volunteers and supporters turned the day into a powerful tribute to our fallen heroes. The event featured three rides.

The first and second rides were led by Bill Flemal of VFW Riders District 7. The third ride was led by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) as one of their sanctioned rides.

Safety, fellowship and purpose guided the riders as they took to the roads, keeping the day’s vital mission at the forefront. The ceremony provided a particularly moving moment for everyone in attendance. Summer Uhrich’s stirring rendition of the National Anthem moved everyone in attendance, setting a respectful tone for the remembrance ceremony.

Ty Letto, Past State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Wisconsin, then delivered a heartfelt speech to honor the men and women who have served our country and remind those gathered of the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.

The ceremony also included the solemn reading of the KIA (Killed in Action) names and the traditional folding of the American flag. Bringing the event to an emotional close, the sounds of Taps, played by Justin Klute and Hannah Kayhart, echoed across the grounds.

One rider captured the spirit of the day: “It is an absolutely humbling experience to be here for this ride. Honoring our fallen and their sacrifices never comes easy, but we need to remember those who gave all.

They gave their lives so that we can continue to live ours and continue to share their stories and say their names.” Thanks to the incredible generosity of riders, sponsors, volunteers and supporters, this year’s Ride to Remember raised over $10,500 for The Highground.

Every person who showed up to honor our nation’s heroes played a vital role in making this event possible. Every dollar raised helps strengthen programs and services that provide veterans and their families with opportunities for connection, healing, remembrance and support.

A special thank you to Sue and Mary Kokosz, the “Basket Babes,” for once again going above and beyond with their tremendous basket raffle. Their hard work, creativity and generosity helped raise more than $1,500 for The Highground. Their dedication to supporting veterans is truly appreciated and continues to make a remarkable difference.

The Highground extends warmest thanks to the Hillbilly Fever Band for providing high-octane tunes throughout the event. Their energy and talent added to the festive atmosphere and helped make the day an enjoyable experience for riders, families and supporters.

The Highground extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for providing traffic control throughout the rides and helping ensure the safety of participants.

The Highground remains deeply grateful to the Neillsville Police and Fire Departments for their ongoing support of the Ride to Remember and other events. Their dedication and partnership are invaluable in ensuring this event remains safe and successful year after year.

The Highground extends its deepest gratitude to the generous sponsors whose commitment helps ensure that veterans and their families continue to receive the care, connection and recognition they deserve:

  • VFW Riders District 7;
  • Department of VFW Riders WI;
  • Dairyland Originals – Women on Wheels;
  • CVMA;
  • Chippewa Falls Harley Davidson;
  • Rae Baxter’s;
  • Marshfield Country Club;
  • Woodfield Inn & Suites;
  • Rolling Thunder Chapter 2;
  • Apple Valley Road Haus;
  • Hillbilly Fever Band;
  • Sue & Mary Kokosz “Basket Babes”;
  • Bonnie Henchen;
  • Cycle Fish;
  • Central WI Broadcasting;
  • WWIS Radio;
  • And WEAU.

For information about The Highground, its mission and more, visit their website or follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheHighgroundVeteransMemorial.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.