The Red Hill VFW Post 5954 welcomed two motorcycle riders home from a 48-state fundraising ride last weekend. Mike Dalske and Jason Appleton raised more than $18,000 during their self-funded trip for veterans in need that lasted nearly a month.

Jason Appleton, left, and  Mike Dalske

            The money raised by Dalske and Appleton – along with $720 collected Saturday, July 19, during a celebration for their arrival – will benefit the post's Veterans Outreach Center.

            According to Dalske, the goal of the ride is to provide Tom Sally – past commander of VFW Post 5954 and current commander VFW District 16, that covers Montgomery County – the opportunity to open its outreach center and help homeless vets become productive members of society.

            "Anything we can do to help homeless veterans and get them the services they need [is beneficial]," said Dalske, who lives in Harleysville and made the same ride for the local post previously.

            According to Dalske, the two accumulated 10,835 total miles. He said they covered 400 to 500 miles per day, spending between eight to 10 hours on their bikes.

            Dalske and Appleton, who lives in Hatboro, received an escort on the final stages of their journey. The state police, along with the Upper Perk and Marlborough police departments, as well as the Milford, Red Hill, and Pennsburg fire companies and several other bikers joined the duo as they exited the Quakertown Interchange of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Milford Township.