More than 58,000 Americans died in the Vietnam War. My best friend was one of them. Lance Corporal Marvin “Dale” Banar was killed by an explosive device on December 2, 1967 in Quang Nam Province. He was 20 years old.
When we were teenagers, Dale and I both loved motorcycles. Unfortunately, Dale was not allowed to have one, so I let him ride mine.
That’s what inspired me to build the Tribute Bike - to honor my friend and ten other heroes from Perry High School in Massillon, Ohio (my alma mater) who made the ultimate sacrifice. My hope is that the Tribute Bike helps to keep their memories alive for many years to come.
On a personal note, I served my tour in Vietnam just a couple years after Dale was KIA. I survived... but along with many of my brethren, I brought home more than my Bronze Star. I brought home PTSD.
In 2013, the VA estimated that between 1999 and 2010, a veteran committed suicide once every 65 minutes. So the other purpose of this site is to bring awareness and hope to those who suffer from combat-related PTSD, including veterans, their families and friends.
I hope that you enjoy the website and will stop by to say hello at an upcoming event. I also hope you will join me in honoring our fallen heroes and in supporting all veterans, and in particular, those who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.
Ken McGill
