Out of hundreds of heartfelt nominations, a few incredible stories stood out. These winners embody the strength, dedication, and spirit of service that inspire us all. We’re honored to share their stories and deeply grateful for their service to our country.
Elizabeth Siburt
Nominated by: Nicholas Siburt
Master Sergeant Elizabeth Siburt is the kind of woman who makes you believe in quiet heroism. While her husband serves at a deployed site, she holds down the fort, not just at home, but in her community. She mentors young Airmen with wisdom and warmth, plans unforgettable events for military families, and serves on her daughter’s school board, making every child feel seen and celebrated.
She gives endlessly, never asking for anything in return. Her dream? A simple bike. Not for luxury, but to stay healthy and ride alongside her daughter. But she always puts others first, choosing to bless someone else instead of herself.
Elizabeth’s story is a reminder that true strength is gentle, generous, and selfless. Giving her that bike means giving her a moment to breathe, to heal, and to finally take care of herself, the way she’s taken care of everyone else.
Richard Messina
Nominated by: Michael Liebler
Richard was a captain in the Air Force during the Vietnam war. After discharge from the Air Force, he counseled other vets at the VA. Richard went through some serious health conditions with two life-saving abdominal surgeries and breast cancer removal. He managed his mental and physical health through exercise. At 83, he now swims one mile every other day, does cardio at the Air Force base in North Charleston and bikes 9 miles every other day.
I am Richard's neighbor. When I met him he had been riding this old bike which he found years ago and has many of the pieces duct taped. He has become a good friend. He saw my Lectric bike and really liked it. I saw this opportunity and thought of Richard right away. I believe he as many others are very deserving. It is truly my honor to be able to nominate him.
James Reese
Nominated by: Carole Reese
My husband, James, served in the National Guard for 40 years. He was routinely called to duty for snowstorms, crowd control, and a mercy mission to Honduras. At the age of 56 he was deployed as a combat medic to serve in Ramadi, Iraq for a year. Prior to that he had to train for 6 months in Mississippi and California. So, he was away from home for a year and a half with only 2 short visits home.
While in Ramadi his convoy was shot upon, cracking the windshield of his vehicle. Most horrific was the day he was one of only two medics doing physical exams for about 1,000 Iraqi police recruits when suddenly a suicide bomber attacked. Later he wrote, "I went from person to person giving aid even after my aid bag was empty. I had to kneel on the dead to take care of the living. It reminded me of pictures of Gettysburg."
Jim continues to serve as a retired veteran. He serves on the Board of the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council which helps veterans in various ways to acquire education, training, housing, and legal assistance. He also serves on the Board for Bethlehem Veterans. He is active in the Bethlehem American Legion where he is part of their honor guard for military funerals. In addition, he volunteers every week to visit hospitalized veterans.
Jim's service has made him realize how important military service is and how important community service is for our country and the world. He walks the walk.
Jim bicycles with his veteran friends and uses my old bike. He is quite frugal insisting that this bike is fine. He is now 76 years old and runs 4 miles almost every day and does his calisthenics every day. However, it is getting harder to get up those hills and keeping up with his friends. An e-bike would be a great award to a great man.
Ryan Hagenow
Nominated by: Megan Hagenow
I’m writing to nominate my husband Ryan, for your Veteran bike giveaway. He’s not only a proud veteran, but also one of the hardest working, most selfless people I know. He inspires me every day to do my best simply by the way he lives his life—with integrity, dedication, and endless love for his family.
He’s an amazing father to our 3 boys, especially to our son with special needs. No matter how long his day has been, he always shows up for them—with patience, humor, and heart. Recently, we purchased one of your XPedition Lectric eBikes, and it has been life-changing for our family. For the first time, we’re able to get outside and enjoy bike rides together with our autistic son, who can’t independently ride a bike.
Winning this second electric bike would mean so much to our family. It would allow us to continue creating those special moments together without someone having to stay back. These moments mean the world to our kids and to us. My husband truly deserves this. He’s served his country, he serves his family every day, and he never asks for anything in return. Thank you for considering him for this opportunity.
Scott Aldridge
Nominated by: Jerry Felix
Sgt. Scott Aldridge is the embodiment of dedication, courage, and the American spirit. A true hero, Sgt. Aldridge has honorably served our country through four overseas tours, his most recent being a year-long deployment in Kosovo. During that time, he was separated from his two young daughters, Abigail (10) and Madeline (2), making tremendous personal sacrifices in the name of duty and service.
As a helicopter mechanic stationed at Quonset Point Base in Rhode Island, Sgt. Aldridge has spent his career ensuring the safety and success of his fellow soldiers. Despite enduring multiple back injuries and being declared disabled by the U.S. Army, he continues to serve and work with exceptional dedication and resilience. His determination to overcome adversity and his unwavering commitment to his team make him a model of strength and perseverance.
Sgt. Aldridge leads by example — quietly, humbly, and with an unshakable sense of purpose. He is the type of person who inspires others to do better, be better, and serve with integrity. I have the utmost respect for our service men and women, but Sgt. Aldridge stands out as someone who has profoundly impacted my life. I am grateful every day to know him and to witness his courage, selflessness, and leadership firsthand.
For these reasons, I believe Sgt. Scott Aldridge is an ideal recipient of the electric bike. It would be a small but meaningful gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices he has made — for his country, his community, and his family.
Chucky Stensland
Nominated by: Matthew Stensland
I would like to nominate my dad, a true hero and veteran, for this amazing e-bike. He served this country with bravery and honor, but unfortunately, sustained injuries that led to his respectful discharge. He also experienced the profound loss of his brother, Richard Hatfield, during the war. As an advocate for freedom and the principles upheld by our founding fathers, my dad embodies the values we hold dear.
Now at 60 years old, he deserves something special for himself after dedicating so much of his life to our family and community. This e-bike would be a perfect gift, allowing him to enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories with my brother and me. We’re 11 and 8 years old, and we love spending time with him, but we know that his injuries can make it challenging for him to keep up with us.
This e-bike would enable him to ride with us on nature trails and explore the beauty around us without the physical strain. It’s more than just a bike; it’s the opportunity for him to reclaim some of the joy and freedom he fought for—time spent together as a family outdoors. We believe this would truly enrich his life and bring us closer together. He has always put us first, and now it’s our turn to support him. My dad deserves this more than anyone, and we’d be overjoyed to see him win.