Tears of love filled the eyes of father and son veterans United States Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Al Romeri and Patrick Romeri of the United States Marine Corps when friends unveiled two hand-made shadow box frames that contained each of their military uniforms at last night's 11th off-road-vehicle (ORV) Veterans Day fundraiser.
"When we were up here last summer, we snuck into their closet and took their uniforms," said Jim Roth, inspired to give back to two people who have given their hearts to the country and community. "Pat's wife was in on this too."
Pat Romeri organizes a special Veterans Day ride every year.
Close to 70 ORVs rode out of VFW Post #9023 of Brimley at 11 a.m. yesterday afternoon in a 100-mile round-trip to Trout Lake to support the cause.
"We do it to raise money for veteran's Post #9023," said Romeri, having brought in over $3,500 during last year's ride. "A lot of the veterans have to go to the VA hospital in Iron Mountain, so we do this to help them with travel expenses. Over the years, it has gotten bigger and bigger."
What started with a few people 11 years ago in Romeri's garage brought in well-over 200 people yesterday.
Everyone arrived back at the post around 6 p.m, where the women's auxiallry had a hot ham dinner prepared. Over $3,000 in prizes were given away in a 50/50 raffle, but not before the shadow boxes were unveiled.
It is unknown how much money the ORV Veterans Day fundraising event pulled in last night, but the room was packed with friends sharing one common goal – supporting VFW Post #9023 veterans.
