FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Senate Citation awarded to US Marine Corporal Andrew Biggio at MMA “Storm the State House”
The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) held their 11th Annual “Storm the State House” legislative lobby day on Thursday, May 17th 2012, attended by hundreds of riders from around the Commonwealth and was pleased to coordinate the awarding of a Citation issued by the Massachusetts State Senate to US Marine Corporal Andrew DelRossi Biggio for his tireless efforts in supporting his fellow veterans.
Some of the Riders of "The Storm" assembled on the steps of the MA State House
for a Photo before visiting the Senate Chamber
Two years ago, shortly before he was deployed to Afghanistan, Marine Corporal Andrew DelRossi Biggio completed a very different kind of mission: a mission of the heart. Then age 23, this Winthrop, MA native organized and led some 350 motorcyclists on a charity ride to benefit Vincent Mannion-Broduer, also 23 and a paratrooper who'd suffered a horrific brain injury in Iraq. The funds raised that day allowed Vincent to pay for handicapped modifications that enabled him to live a better life.
As for Andrew Biggio, going to war didn't distract him from searching for another wounded warrior he could assist. Between patrols, Biggio searched and searched until he came upon two Marines who have suffered major injuries -- Marine Corporals Evan Reichenthal from Princeton, MA and Greg Caron of Ellington, CT.
Evan had been struck with shrapnel from an IED resulting in an amputated left leg, left arm fused at a 40 degree angle, and severe nerve damage throughout his body. Greg entered an abandoned compound while searching for a suspected terrorist and bomb maker when a booby trap resulted in the loss of both legs below the knee and much use of his right arm as well as severe nerve damage throughout his body.
It was clear to Andrew what his next mission was to be.
On April 28th, the 3rd Annual Boston Wounded Vets ride attracted over 1,400 motorcycles, as reported by the Boston Herald, to attend this ride and with the help of the MMA and other local motorcycle organizations, Andrew successfully raised over $80,000 to be used to support wounded veterans such as providing Evan a Bathroom in the basement of his parents’ home as well as new walkways and other home improvements.
As a result of Andrew’s tireless dedication, when hearing that Corporal DelRossi Biggio would be participating in the “Storm the State House” event, Chairman Condon claimed, “it just clicked.” A US ARMY 4th Infantry veteran himself, Condon continued, “many riders are also Vets and recognize that our Vets need support here at home. Where the government won’t help, Motorcyclists will!”
MMA Chairman Dave Condon, with support from Vice Chairman Doc D’Errico and Legislative Director Rick Gleason started making phone calls and writing letters to arrange formal recognition from the Massachusetts Senate for Andrew and his accomplishments helping Massachusetts Veterans. “We were extremely pleased with the response from the Senate with such a momentous opportunity to thank Andrew for his efforts while so many Motorcyclists will be present”, concluded Condon.
Corporal DelRossi Biggio received his formal Citation from State Senator Anthony Petruccelli, Senate President Therese Murray, and State Senator Stephen Brewer.
Left to Right: Senate President Therese Murray, State Senator Anthony Petruccelli,
Corporal Andrew Biggio, State Senator Stephen Brewer
The MMA is proud to recognize Andrew and thanks all involved for the quick turnaround to secure this citation.
For further information, please visit www.MassMotorcycle.org or contact Chairman@MassMotorcycle.org
©2012 Massachusetts Motorcycle Association
MMA 2012 Harley-Davidson Bike Raffle Tickets are ALMOST GONE! Visit http://www.massmotorcycle.org/ to get yours today!
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