Indiana Suzuki dealer presents bike to USO fundraiser winner
In celebration of Military Appreciation Day on January 14th at Petco Park in San Diego, Suzuki Motor of America donated a brand new 2017 Suzuki RM-Z250 to be auctioned off during the fourth annual Military Appreciation Race. Proceeds from the auction are funneled directly to the non-profit USO to help fund the programs, services and live entertainment provided to United States service members and their families.
Supercross fans at the race and from across the world could bid on several items such as race-worn gear and the premier prize RM-Z250 during the annual fundraiser.
On Feb. 28, Suzuki Motor of America presented winning bidder Derek Swaidner of Fort Wayne, Indiana a brand new 2017 RM-Z250 at R & D Powersports in Columbia City, Indiana. Derek, a senior at Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) in aviation technology, has been an avid amateur racer for two decades. He was ecstatic to see his new bike and plans to race the RM-Z250 at events in the Southeast.
Swaidner comes from a military family, with both grandfathers having served in the Navy and the Marines, a sister and an uncle in the Air Force and cousins currently serving in the Army and Marines. His appreciation for the military are deep like his roots in motocross.
“It just came to me as a great opportunity to help the USO and all they do for military members and their families, as well as a good chance to get a great deal on the new RM-Z I wanted,” Swaidner said. “I’m so happy to have won it and can’t wait to go racing and win some contingency money.”
