Vets4Vets is a 501(c)(19) non-profit coalition that unites several veteran motorcycle organizations with a common mission. Every dollar raised through their initiatives and events is devoted to supporting veterans in the Denver area as they navigate critical issues such as veteran suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), hunger, and homelessness. Their commitment to these causes helps to ensure that veterans receive the resources and assistance veteran and veteran families need to help them live in a more positive and fulfilling way after bravely serving our country.

For this event, Vets4Vets selected a retired Coast Guard veteran who, after her service, continues to serve both veteran and community causes with passion and dedication.  Sometimes the best of us find ourselves behind the 8-ball and are handed life-altering situations.  Fortunately, Vets4Vets was able to step up to help her walk a few dark miles.

The Chili Cook Off event was kindly hosted by the Veterans MC at their clubhouse in Westminster, CO.  It was a good turnout and fun event with a lot of new faces and a lot of tasty chile to try.  There were two categories for the tasting with one winner for red chili and one for green chile.  There were a total of four greens and six reds to sample.  Each guest was given a pair of raffle tickets; one ticket to be deposited in front of the chile of both categories that they liked best.  The winner of the Red Chili category was Mick, of the American Legion Riders, while the winner of the Green Chile category was me, Matt, from Project ML-Gratitude. Each winner collected a prize of fifty dollars.  Thank you to everyone who participated and I look forward to defending my title next year!

Project ML-Gratitude was honored to be invited to participate in this year's event. It allowed us an opportunity to do what we do best and that's giving away motorcycles to veterans in need of wind therapy.  This time our selected nominee is a 14-year US Army veteran who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq.  Matthew Martinez is a family man who stated that transitioning to civilian life has been difficult and he joined the VFW to maybe help with the bad days.  When he learned of our program, he thought that some headspace in the wind would be a much better way to let go of the bad days.  We awarded Matthew a beautiful 2009 Suzuki Boulevard C50T, making him our 23rd recipient to date.