Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1542902
Scars & Stripes Scars & Stripes Operation Deserving Warrior Operation Deserving Warrior Putting a Warrior Behind Bars, Handlebars Putting a Warrior Behind Bars, Handlebars By Gary Reagan By Gary Reagan Some missions happen on distant ba lefields. Oth- ers unfold in dirt parking lots, wooded trails, and the quiet moments between the sound of an en- gine and the s llness of the woods. For the veteran community behind Scars and Stripes, healing o en begins with a thro le twist. "Opera on Deserving Warrior" started as an idea in the mind of Scars and Stripes founder Gary Rea- gan, a former Combat Medic and now a Firefighter Paramedic who understands firsthand that not all wounds are visible. Reagan found his own peace on two wheels, discovering that riding dirt bikes helped steady the mental a ershocks of military service. He calls it Thro le Therapy, and for many veterans, it has become a lifeline. That's where he met Josh Torres. The two connected during a Scars and Stripes Throt- tle Therapy ride day. Among the laughter, engine noise, and shared understanding that only fellow service members truly grasp, Josh and Gary swapped stories. They spoke about service, transi on, and the quiet struggles that o en follow the uniform home. Riding, they agreed, had a way of clearing the mental fog by demanding focus, rewarding pres- ence, and offering something rare: peace. Josh didn't just a end one ride. He kept show- ing up. He became part of the community and a passionate advocate for the mission. His jour- ney with Scars and Stripes deepened when he par cipated in the organiza on's Purple Heart Bike Build, where the charity rebuilt a Marine's DRZ 400 and helped put him back behind han- dlebars. That moment rekindled more than a hobby; it reignited a form of therapy he didn't realize he'd been missing. Josh's story is layered with grit, heart, and lega- cy. A devoted father of three and proud Air Na- onal Guard member, his path to service wasn't typical. Before the military, Josh was a successful ta oo ar st. But at 39, when many are se ling into rou nes, he chose a more challenging road. Determined to serve, he underwent painful ta oo removal procedures to meet enlistment standards. It was a decision that spoke volumes about his resolve. 20 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com Photos By Kylie Kulpa Photos By Kylie Kulpa