When Julia Merrick, occupational therapist at the W.G. “Bill” Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, needed coffee and snacks for her group therapy patients she was surprised where the help came from. “The Winston Salem Hogs” (motorcycle riders and givers to charitable causes) were looking to support their regional VA hospital here in town when they heard of Julia’s need.
Saturday afternoon, they road in on two dozen motorcycles, accompanied by a panel van full of coffee, snacks and goodies for Julia’s hospitalized veterans. The bikers were then guided on a tour of the long-term and rehabilitation building of the hospital after their arrival.
Just last summer the Winston Salem Hogs, 75 bikes strong, rode for “Anita,” a 10-year-old cancer victim, to help her family with medical expenses. This effort was named, “Ride for an Angel.”
We’ve dubbed this ride for our Salisbury hospitalized veterans “The Pork Rind Ride.” Julia expresses her sincere gratitude for this effort by concerned motorcyclists in our region.