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Army sergeant rides to raise funds for wounded veterans

U.S. Army sergeant and Negaunee native Tyler Pynnonen smiles as he stops in Negaunee for the night Tuesday on his trek from North Dakota to Maryland. He’s riding a moped to raise funds and awareness for the veteran non profit organization called Warfighter Made. To donate go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Operation1776/donate. (Journal photo by Katie Segula)

NEGAUNEE — Negaunee native Tyler Pynnonen is riding his Honda CT70 motorcycle 1,776 miles across the country to raise funds for combat-wounded veterans.

Pynnonen, 31, a snowmobile athlete with Nitro Circus and a sergeant in the U.S. Army, is on a fundraising mission.

On Monday he began to execute what he calls Operation: 1776.

The goal of the operation is to raise funds for the non-profit organization called Warfighter Made. Pynnonen started from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota on Monday driving his Honda CT70, and headed for his first Michigan stop in his hometown.

According to Facebook updates from Pynnonen, he will head through the Upper Peninsula, and cross the Mackinac Bridge and then head south and east through Ohio, Pennsylvania and to his destination in Annapolis, Maryland, to celebrate Independence Day.

According to the Warfighter Made website, the non-profit organization helps in four main ways:

≤ Adapt and customize a combat-wounded veteran’s vehicle, so they can continue doing the things they enjoy, while their vehicle reflects their individual personality.

≤ Invite ill, injured and combat-wounded veterans to participate in recreational therapy trips.

These adventures include participating in Lucas Oil Off Road events, and outdoor adventures with Polaris RZRs.

≤ Provide “camaraderie therapy” in a 4,000-square-foot facility, by inviting all vets from all branches and all eras “to hang out with other veterans building projects for combat-wounded amputees, maintaining therapy vehicles or simply socializing with men and women who’ve walked in your boots, and shared some of your experiences.”

≤ Work with other like-minded nonprofits, businesses and individuals to ensure the veteran gets the best experience possible.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Pynnonen had raised $10,402 for the non profit.

“Help me get injured veterans back behind the throttle and gain back their independence,” he said.

To donate to Operation 1776, visit gofundme.com/f/Operation1776/donate.

Katie Segula can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is ksegula@miningjournal.net.

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