Bikers deliver Easter baskets to Ogden veterans home

April 19--OGDEN -- The 20 brawny, dark leather-clad male motorcycle riders carrying the Easter baskets filled with multi-colored plastic eggs may have seemed a contrast in nature on first glance.

But for the Northern Utah American Legion Riders, the 120 Easter basket delivery on Saturday to the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home was just another way of their group, wives and female friends included, of paying it forward.

"We enjoy coming out here," NUALR road captain Max Cunningham said.

"We do this for our brothers and sisters who have fought for our country," said Cunningham, who was joined by his wife, Lisa.

The baskets delicately handled by the group contained such items as candy and fruit.

"Just like what you would get in your Easter basket," Lisa Cunningham said.

And even though the motorcycle group was prevented from being able to share the baskets directly with those men and women at the veterans home due to it being the flu season, the kindness of the motorcycle group did touch the hearts of those going in and out of the home in visiting family members.

"Our veterans have served this country. They are special to all of us," said P.J. Woodbury, recreation manager for the veterans home.

"Sometimes (the veterans) feel isolated. So, it is nice for them to have visitors and to see that the community still honors them," Woodbury said.

But the NUALR members, who donate their money as well as their time, credit area organizations, businesses and individuals, for contributing to this particular cause.

"It's amazing. I have a lot of military family. So this is an honor," said Crystal Conover, NUALR support coordinator.

In addition to the Easter baskets, the NUALR group has delivered to the home large envelopes full of valentines in February, and Christmas stockings in 2013, said Kooter Knudson, NUALR president.

Cunningham said the NUALR is hoping to do something for the veterans around the Fourth of July holiday.

The veterans home located in Ogden provides quality nursing and personal care for veterans.

The home is named after the late George E. Wahlen of Roy, a decorated World War II veteran who gave 21 years of distinguished service to the United States military.

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