A Sault Ste Marie navy veteran is working on a project to help former servicemen who suffer from PTSD.
Scott Igo served for five years in the U.S. Navy on board the Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln from 1993 to 1998.
During that time, he learned quickly how important brotherhood was and how important it was then, and is now, to support each other.
That's why Igo came up with the idea of a motorcycle ride to raise money for those who suffer from PTSD.
The American Legion Riders (ALR) 1st Annual Ride “From Hell to Paradise" will take place July 26-28, 2024.
The ride starts in the unincorporated community of Hell, located in Livingston County and then heads to Paradise in Chippewa County and eventually ends in Sault Ste Marie. There will be one stay-over most likely in Grayling.
“I want to take a full year to plan the event to make sure it is done right with a good amount of sponsors and riders,” Igo said.
Igo got into the military because he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, his uncles and numerous other relatives who proudly served
"In my opinion what makes a veteran so special is we gave an oath to protect all with no expiration date. Even though you may no longer be active duty you never stop believing in what is right and what is wrong. You are always there for your brothers in arms,” Igo said.
That is why the ride is so important to him.
"This ride means the world to me. Every day we lose 22 veterans to suicide. Most suffer from PTSD. There are resources available, but I feel as if we need to do more. I personally have friends that suffer that fight. This ride was a dream really. When a person is battling PTSD you feel as if you are in your own personal hell. Each individual that is fighting is looking for that place they feel safe. A paradise of sort. As a member of the American Legion and American Legion Riders I decided to ask around and see what people thought. Well, here I am now, planning an event for next summer,” said Igo.
Anyone can participate in this event -- even those who do not have motorcycles. It’s about raising money and awareness.
"Any one can ride this ride. All motorcycles are invited. We will also be happy to have autos join along. The cost is $35 for the rider and $20 for passenger. Same cost will apply to autos. This money will be 100% donated to Michigan based organizations helping fight PTSD. It will be a two day event. It will depart Hell on Friday July 26, 2024. We will have stops along the way and an overnight stay in the Grayling area. The following day we will make our way over the bridge and to Paradise with the ride ending in Sault Ste Marie,” Igo added.
"The main focus is to raise awareness for those that are suffering. Let them know they are not fighting alone. The second is to raise funds for organizations that are helping those fight the good fight,” Igo said.
Even though there is over a year until the event, Igo would love people to register as early as possible.
"Deadline for registration will be Thursday, July 23, 2024. Of course, we would love to have all pre-registered so we have a good head count. People can walk up and join that day. I will be down there. Volunteers are a great help. As we set up the schedule for our breaks along the ride, we can always use a helping hand. Sponsors are a huge part of this. Again we will be posting on our Facebook group how you can sponsor or donate,” Igo said.
Even though Igo came up with the idea for the event, he will not take all the credit.
"I want to say I am not doing this alone. I have a great team behind me. I am so humbled by the response I have gotten so far. I am overwhelmed. Please follow us on Facebook at ALR Hell To Paradise PTSD ride,” Igo said.
