On March 22, 2026, Project ML‑Gratitude had the honor of hosting a special dinner in collaboration with the American Legion Riders of Post 161, an evening rooted in gratitude, service, and the powerful connection between motorcycles and healing. That night, surrounded by friends, supporters, and fellow riders, we were proud to gift a motorcycle to a deserving veteran named Joshua Lookabill, an Afghanistan Combat Veteran.

Project ML‑Gratitude was founded with a simple but meaningful mission to give back to selected colorado veterans by providing them with motorcycles. For many veterans, the transition home can be challenging. We understand that sometimes the best therapy isn’t found in words, but in open roads, fresh air, and the freedom that comes from riding. What riders often call “wind therapy” has the power to clear the mind, restore confidence, and remind our veterans that they are seen, supported, and appreciated.

During the dinner, our founder Kim Tompkins shared the heart behind our mission and reflected on how this journey began. Her story represents the ripple of generosity that sparked Project ML‑Gratitude. When Kim's motorcycle was stolen, a stranger at the time, known as Mark Lochman stepped in and donated one of his bikes to Kim simply "because it was the right thing to do."

That selfless act inspired Kim and co‑founder Mark Jester to officially create Project ML‑Gratitude. Mark Lochman remains an active supporter of our mission.  His legacy is honored as "ML" in Project ML-Gratitude. Since then, what started with one bike has grown into a mission that has now changed dozens of lives, not of just the veteran recipients, but also for many who support our mission. 

At this point,  AJ Naylor who was in attendance, was introduced and celebrated. AJ was our first recipient. Joshua proudly becomes recipient #24.

Our Ride Captain, Donovan Martinez, then shared how Joshua’s motorcycle came to be donated. Through an unexpected conversation at work, Donovan learned that Jerry Kuker, the father‑in‑law of one of our supporters, had a motorcycle sitting unused in his son-in-law's garage. Jerry's son-in-law spoke with Jerry, and after owning the bike for 24 years, he made the incredibly generous decision not to sell it, but instead to donate it to Project ML‑Gratitude so it could be given to a veteran in need.

That veteran is Joshua Lookabill.

Jerry’s willingness to give embodies everything our organization stands for. His motorcycle now carries far more than miles; it carries gratitude, respect, and the appreciation of a nation.