Wheels 4 Warriors Recipients


Congratulations to our Recipients


21 October 2023: Our 10th motorcycle was presented to: SFC Michael Valdez, United States Army


Mike was born and raised in Roy, UT and joined the U S Army in April 2008 following in the footsteps of his father and all his grandfathers! He trained as a Combat Medic before reporting to his first duty station with the 4/25th Airborne Brigade Combat Team at Ft. Richardson, AK. While there, he deployed twice to Afghanistan and went to airborne school.

In 2013, he went to the 3-38th Long Range Surveillance squadron at Ft. Lewis, WA. He then deployed to Guam for 7 months in support of a Pacific Command Assistance Mission.

In 2016, he was assigned to the mighty 82nd Airborne Division, from Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) North Carolina and deployed to Iraq to defeat ISIS in Mosul.

In 2018 he was transferred to Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX, where he worked in the hospital and trained the next generation of medics.


22 October 2022: Our 9th motorcycle was presented to: Tony Y., Former Staff Sergeant, United States Army


Tony was born in Utah and raised in Renton, WA and comes from a long line of veterans including both grandfathers, father, and his older sister. He joined the Active Army in October 2003, attending Basic Combat Training at Ft. Sill, OK then transferred to Ft. Huachuca for training as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator. He was then assigned to Hunter Army Airfield, GA and deployed twice to Iraq. He left active duty in July 2010 to work as an overseas contractor, deploying to Afghanistan 6 times. He returned to service in January 2014 when he enlisted in the Army Reserves. He is currently serving as a Drill Sergeant.

His awards include The German Armed Forces Badge in Gold, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Aircrew Badge, Airborne Wings, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Presidential Unit Citation w/oak leaf cluster, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal w/two knot device, Iraq Campaign Medal Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal w/oak leaf cluster, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Army service Ribbon.

He met his wife and best friend, Eliza, in 2010, they married in 2013, have 3 daughters and live in Las Vegas. He works as a Field Assistant for Alston Construction.


02 October 2021: Our 7th and 8th motorcycles were presented to: Jessica, United States Navy and Shannon, United States Air Force


Jessica served at sea and on land and is now a security officer.

Shannon served on several continents throughout her career and presently works in corrections at a federal halfway house.

Their bikes reflect each of these lady’s personalities.


02 May 2021: Our 6th motorcycle was presented to: Luke B., United States Army


Luke joined the Army in June 2004 as an Infantryman. From 2005 to 2007 he was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq conducting combat operations in and around Sader City. During this time, it was known as the deadliest place on earth.
He returned to Baghdad from 2008 to 2009 and was promoted to Sergeant. He was then transferred to a VIP security detail. In 2012 he was honorably retired due to combat injuries. After struggling for years to find his new place in life, he found it in a Chicago VFW. He now leads VFW Chapter 12198 in Las Vegas.
Luke was awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal with four campaign stars, two Army Commendation Medals, two Overseas Service Ribbons, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct and National Defense medals.


15 August 2020: Our 5th motorcycles was presented to:
Adam A., Former Staff Sergeant, United States Army


Adam A. was born and raised in Las Vegas. He joined the United States Army in 2008 and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 2014. He trained as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician working with all other branches of the service in an extremely dangerous job; One where either you are right or suddenly it’s not your problem anymore…
Adam deployed to Afghanistan for two tours: 2010 – 2011 and again in 2012 – 2013. During those deployments, he worked with foreign and international military services, serving with distinction and earning the Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge.

Special thanks go to Damon Schuetze of Legal Ride, Brandon and Nathan of Spartan Arms, The Nevada Veterans of Anthem, Nevada Auto Collision Center, The Vic Shop and our master artist, David Schalles.


August 2019: Our 4th motorcycles was presented to: Iliana D., Sergeant, United States Marines


Iliana, a Las Vegas native, was enlisted in the Marine Corps in Nov. 2001. She flourished in Basic Training, earning the role as Platoon Guide, leading her fellow recruits to successful completion of basic training and the honor of earning the title of United States Marine. After completion of Marine Combat Training and Military Occupation School for Motor Transportation, she was posted in Okinawa, Japan with the 3rd Marine Division, Combat Assault Battalion. During that time, she conducted training throughout the island as well as in Pohang, Korea. 
Following her overseas assignment, she reported to 2nd Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune, NC. She was reassigned to 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine Service Support Group 24, Transportation Support Detachment.


She trained with the “Super G”, readying for deployment to Iraq in June 2004. There, as the Platoon Dispatcher, Iliana was tasked with the execution of each convoy conducted by the MSSG TS Detachment. Her deployment, lasting nine months, earned her the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for excellence in dispatching vehicles, equipment, weapons, ammo, pyro and troops in Iraq.
Iliana D. returned to the States with the Super G in March 2005. In Nov. 2005 Diaz was promoted to Sergeant shortly before she was honorably discharged in Nov. 2005.

Iliana moved back to her hometown, Las Vegas, and is currently working shipping and receiving at Caesars Palace. Sgt. D’s time in the Marines may be over, but her service to the veteran community continues. She is a mentor-volunteer for the Veterans Treatment Court of the Eighth Judicial District Specialty Court, where she helps guide veterans caught up in the Criminal Justice System get the help they need. She continues to live her life committed to upholding those values instilled in her throughout her time in the Marine Corps. Semper Fi!  

17 November 2018: Our 3rd motorcycles was presented to: Patrick R.


Patrick is a Veteran of the U S Army and the U S Marine Corps, serving as an Infantryman and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He deployed to Afghanistan twice. His medals include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 Stars, Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal, Army and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Combat Infantry, Expert Infantryman and Parachutist Badges, USN & USMC Overseas Service Ribbon.

His motorcycle was presented at Atomic Motors in Henderson. We could not have done this without the support of Spartan Arms, Legal Ride, NV Energy, Marthea Jaffee at Realty One Group, David Schalles and many others.  Special thanks to the Sierra Vista JROTC Color Guard.


28 October 2017: Our 2nd motorcycles was presented to: Ryan G.


This is a 17-year-old Harley-Davidson that looks brand new thanks to the incredible painting skills of Niko Symansky. He donated his time and skills to make the metal parts of the bike special. We also need to express our deep appreciation to the crew at Red Rock Harley-Davidson, in particular, H-D Tech John McGuigan for his countless hours of work, on his own time, to make the bike safe and roadworthy.

Additionally, we could not have achieved our goal without our good friend and counselor, Damon Schuetz, Esq. of Legal Ride (702.369.3225), Terry Estabrook, Karen DiIullo, and especially Spartan Arms in North Las Vegas: 702.749.9600


July 2016: Our First motorcycle was presented to Army Veteran: Sal C.


Sal was chosen from a field of eminently worthy veterans who all deserve a motorcycle. Sal is an Army Veteran who was given his induction oath by none other than Gen. Colin Powell.

We would like to thank Craig Toupin of VMC, Rylan Voss of The Vic Shop in  Adel Iowa, Werner Enterprises, Victory Motorcycles, Indian Motorcycle Las Vegas I, Jade “Crank” Bell, and the hundreds of people who have donated to this cause, for their vision, generosity and just plain hard work, without which this could not have happened.

Many thanks to Craig Toupin, the International President of the Victory Motorcycle Club (VMC) for finding our first bike and arranging for the overhaul by Rylan Vos of The Vic Shop. He also wrote a letter to Victory’s corporate marketing department to request corporate assistance with this project.
Additionally, we wish to thank Steve Walker and Jim Morris of Indian Motorcycles of Las Vegas for their support for this project.
Bravo to Craig, Rylan, Steve and Jim and Thank You!