Eleven-day ride will raise money for scholarship programs for military spouses and caregivers
Photo Caption: (left to right) U.S. Air Force veteran Michael Nehlsen and U.S. Marine veteran Maj. Gen. Jim Kessler on Normandy Beach in France.
For more past Riding For Warriors photos, visit: http://bit.ly/44Gd7hk
HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. (July 2, 2025) – The 11th annual Riding For Warriors motorcycle ride will embark this August beginning in New Jersey and spanning across the original 13 colonies of America. All proceeds will benefit the national nonprofit Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) and its Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships programs.
Founded in 2006, HOPE connects post 9/11 veterans, service members and military families with services that range from critical needs assistance to career and financial coaching to forging community connections through physical activity and caring for mental health and offering peer support.
Proceeds from the ride will benefit The Riding For Warriors Scholarship Fund, sponsored by Hillmann Consulting, LLC, and Michael Nehlsen, funding multiple military spouse and caregiver scholarships for multiple semesters. The goal of the scholarship fund is to award recipients for multiple semesters, allowing them to achieve their educational goals without interruption.
In 2024, Leslie Blakenship, an U.S. Army spouse and caregiver, was the first graduate of The Riding For Warriors Scholarship Fund completing her associate degree in nursing.
For the 11th year, the ride will be led by Air Force veteran and Hillsborough-based Nehlsen sponsored by Union, N.J.-based Hillmann Consulting. Joining Nehlsen this year will be Wayne Kohlbrecher.
The 11-day journey will begin August 1st, and travel through the original 13 colonies – New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, North and South Carolina, and Georgia.
“We ride for them, to show loyalty and commitment to the veteran community I serve as well as Hope For The Warriors, acting as a representative and communication link,” shared Nehlsen. “By helping fund scholarships to military spouses and caregivers, I am continuing my commitment to military families and their well-being. This means the world to me and my supporters.”
In 10 years, Nehlsen has traveled over 38,600 miles on his motorcycle, raising nearly $600,000 for Hope For The Warriors’ programs.
“Michael is a true friend to HOPE and to the spouses and families we serve,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and CEO of Hope For The Warriors. “His dedication year after year means so much—not just because of the funds raised, but because he genuinely cares. He shows up, he listens, and he rides for those who often go unseen. That kind of heart is rare, and we’re grateful to have him in our corner.”
Key sponsors for Riding For Warriors include Hillmann Consulting, LLC and Bill Nelson.
For more information on Riding For Warriors or to make a donation, visit https://support.
About Hope For The Warriors: Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) is a national leader driving transformative change for the post-9/11 U.S. military community (including veterans and active-duty service members as well as military caregivers, spouses and family members, and families of the fallen). At HOPE, our mission is to deliver unparalleled services that uplift individuals and their families as they navigate the complexities of military life. We are committed to fostering resilience and a sense of purpose, ensuring that those who have served our nation will thrive. Together, we forge a strong community that champions courage, commitment, and grit. To learn more or support our mission, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.
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