WE RIDE SO THEY FLY

SPONSOR WE RIDE SO THEY FLY & HONOR OUR VETERANS

About WE RIDE SO THEY FLY

"We Ride So They Fly" is an annual charity event that raises funds for Honor Flight New England, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans the opportunity to visit the memorials built in their honor in Washington, D.C.

All proceeds from the event go directly towards Honor Flight New England's mission of honoring our nation's heroes and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve.

Become a Sponsor of the Ride that Honors Our Heroes

Sponsor "We Ride So They Fly" to show your support for veterans. This event raises funds for Honor Flight, providing trips for vets to visit D.C. memorials. Your brand will shine across marketing - connect with engaged attendees. Your sponsorship ensures more vets experience these hallowed sites. Partner with us to make a difference for those who sacrificed.

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ABOUT OUR HERO...

THIS YEAR WE RIDE IN HONOR OF WWII HERO SERGEANT, CHARLES "BAZOOKA MAN" YASSEMEDIS.

Charles was born in 1926 and grew up in Watertown, Massachusetts, in the Greek culture.

At the age of 18, Charlie enlisted in the military, wanting to be a pilot, but found out he was colorblind. He joined the United States Army under General Patton and was a part of the 65th Infantry. He witnessed many soldiers perish before his eyes, including his platoon leader while crossing the Rhine River. He was one of two men to go back to the location in total darkness to try to save him.

Throughout the war, Charlie wore his cross faithfully and thanked God every day he was safe. He traveled through Germany, Austria, and France. In Austria, he walked through a concentration camp and was so disturbed by what he saw that he never spoke of any details, but teared up telling his family. During his time in the service Charlie learned many combat skills from experienced soldiers in his unit, many of which did not have the luxury of returning home.

Charlie was an exceptional sharpshooter. He was known by many as the “Bazooka Man” and was recognized with the Bronze Star for saving his platoon. He also received the Purple Heart for being shot twice, once in the hand and in the leg. After recovering from his first injury, he was sent back into the infantry to continue fighting. When he was shot in the leg and recovering in a hospital close to the front, the hospital was bombed and severely damaged. The patients to his left and right were gone, but miraculously, he was left unscathed. He was transported via B-17 to a military hospital back in the states to recover and assigned to fight in the South Pacific. However, he never did as WWII ended.

Charlie attended Honor Flight New England in November 2015 accompanied by his son. Chelmsford Police Department escorted him and his son to the airport and home from the flight that day. Sadly, Charlie Yassemedis passed away in August 2023. We will never forget his kind presence, his sacrifice to our country, and his love for dancing.

This year, we ride for you, Charlie Yassemedis!

WWII and Korean War veterans with Honor Flight New England at World War II memorial in Washington DC

ABOUT THE BENEFICIARY HONOR FLIGHT NEW ENGLAND

Honor Flight New England joined with the national organization Honor Flight Network in the Spring of 2009, and is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring America’s most senior veterans. Through generous donations, we transport our heroes to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at their memorials AT NO COST TO THE VETERAN. Top priority is currently given to WWII Veterans, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill. In the spring of 2016, Honor Flight New England also began transporting Korean War Veterans.

"The National Honor Flight network requires adherence to all current local and CDC guidelines"

MORE ABOUT THE BENEFICIARY

We Ride So They Fly

On Saturday, June 22nd, we will be gathering at Harley Davidson in Manchester, NH, and riding to Deerhead Sportsmen's Club in Hooksett, NH.

This event will take place rain or shine! No refunds

Thank You

We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. The mission of WE RIDE SO THEY FLY would not be successful if it was not for the people like you. Thank you!

WE RIDE SO THEY FLY - register today!!

6th Annual we ride so they fly bike run