|
__________________________________ ______________________________
DAVID
WHITTAKER
I come to you with a heavy heart, but first allow me to introduce myself. My name is Michael "Ranger" Hickman, and I recently had the opportunity to meet David Whittaker at an ABATE of
IOWA District 4 event. David is terribly sorry for not keeping the http://veterancottages.org/Home_Page.html
site updated, and has asked me to help him out. As a fellow veteran myself,
United States Army Airborne Ranger, and the webmaster for ABATE of IOWA District 4, I couldn't find it within my heart to say
'NO' to David.
You see, David was in route to display the Super Flag (you can read more
about this flag on his site), and spread the word about "Cottages for Veterans", when his health failed, and so did his motorcycle, stranding him here in Des Moines, Iowa. David's heart is failing, currently the V.A. states that David's heart is operating at only 10% the normal capacity. David is becoming very weak, and tires easily. David needs a heart transplant, but the V.A. hospital is refusing to perform this surgery for David. Their reasoning is that
David is currently homeless! David would need to have this operation done at a local hospital. Unfortunately, for this good natured guy, David is currently on disability, and there isn't enough money coming in for David to afford a heart operation. One might say that David is stuck between a rock and a hard place, but the outcome will be devastating if David doesn't receive some help very soon.
David told me that the thing he most wants to do, before the good Lord takes him, is to see his children in California one last time. David is a native Californian who was traveling across the nation on his motorcycle spreading the word about "Cottages for Veterans". His eye popping flags were to catch the attention of every warm blooded American citizen and to show his love and dedication standing for those who stood for us.
The fine folks at Custom Paint Specialists are fixing David's motorcycle. They are donating all their time, and are asking for donations for just the parts needed to get David's motorcycle running again.
If you feel within your heart to help this veteran, either in fixing his bike, or with the life saving operation,
this fellow biker and Marine veteran who is trying to help so many other veterans, will you please make a donation to
David Whittaker or Shawn Palek
% Custom Paint Specialists
5050 1/2 NW 2nd Street
Des Moines, IA
50313
If you'd like to send a donation to David, please state whether this donation is for the repairs to David's motorcycle, or for his heart surgery.
Please help this American Marine Veteran, who is trying so hard to help those less fortunate than himself. We should all be so selfless.
Thank you,
Michael "Ranger" Hickman
P.S. If you would like more information on what you can do to help, please contact Custom Paint Specialist
at (515) 975 - 7169.
Or email them at cpspaint@yahoo.com
You may also email David Whittaker at dmw@dmwhittaker.com
Semper Fi,
David!
|
|
________________________________________________________________________________
THE BIKER
I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the
Grocery store line.
But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the
Collection plate last Sunday.
I saw you, pull your child closer when we passed
Each other on the sidewalk.
But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local
Mall.
I saw you, change your mind about going into the
Restaurant.
But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise
More money for the hurricane relief.
I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head
When I rode by.
But, you didn't see me, riding behind you when you
Flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your
children.
But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from
Work to run toys to the homeless.
I saw you, stare at my long hair.
But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten
inches off for 'Locks of Love'.
I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather jackets and
gloves.
But, you didn't see me, my brothers, and sisters donate our
old ones to those that had none.
I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos.
But, you didn't see me, cry as my children were born
And have their name written over and in my heart.
I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go
somewhere.
But, you didn't see me, going home to be with my
Family.
I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our
bikes can be.
But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the
CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car.
But, you didn't see me, pat my child's hands,
Knowing he was safe behind me.
I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove
down the road.
But, you didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when
She told me to take the next turn.
I saw you, race down the road in the rain.
But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my
son could have the car to go on his date.
I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few
minutes of time.
But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.
I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in
the lane I was in.
But, you didn't see me, leave the road.
I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to
pass.
But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you, go home to your family.
But, you didn't see me.
Because, I died that day you cut me off.
I was just a biker. A person with friends and a
family.
But, you didn't see me.
signed - Someone that rides
|
