'We take care of each other': Organization provides bikes for local veterans

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative is giving away 100 bikes, and each is impacting a local veteran in a positive way.

"We are all a family, we take care of each other," said Jesse Browning, with the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative.

Browning, an Air Force veteran, says he was in a dark place before channeling his energy into fixing donated bikes for veterans.

"There is a lot of things they need to be worried about rather than how they are going to get there," said Browning.

The organization's Bikes for Stripes program is taking away extra stress from veterans, providing bikes for them and their families.

"It helped us out tremendously as far as financial things like that, because we really needed one," said Army veteran Barbara Dates. "The other ones were totally wiped out."

Veterans are grateful for the help, saying the bikes provide more than just transportation - it brings joy to their loved ones.

"He loves his bike, he rides it on a regular basis," said Army veteran Terry Mckee, regarding his son. "There is not a day he takes off. Once he gets off the school bus, he goes on his bike before homework just to power down."

There are still around 80 bikes available. If you or someone you know needs a bike, just give the organization a call. They are always accepting donations.