Honored Veterans Get a 'Ride' from Yamaha

Longmeadow, Mass. – Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) announces the donation of a Viking VI (6-seat) Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicle from Yamaha Outdoors for use with the disabled veterans and injured active military which it serves. Yamaha, an original HAVA founding company, and one of its largest sponsors, donated the $15,000 vehicle to allow HAVA to better accommodate the needs of its veterans for off-road transportation, particularly during hunts in remote locations. The first use of the new SxS was during an early-December elk hunt near the NRA Wittington Center which hosted 10 disabled participants in the snow and freezing temperatures at altitudes above 10,000 feet. With a 115 inch wheelbase, 686 cc 4-strokeengine, 3-way locking differential, hydraulic disc brakes and a 1667 pound wet GVW; the Viking VI has all of the capability needed for HAVA’s important work under the most difficult conditions.

“Yamaha was one of our 6 founding companies in 2008, and has been there supporting the cause at every step since then,” said HAVA Chairman Tom Taylor. “They are a leader in the SxS category and can offer us both the right vehicle and the right service and support coordinated from their Georgia-based factory. With the addition of this formidable equipment, we will be able to accommodate disabilities in the most extreme remote locations.”

Added Yamaha Outdoors Marketing Manager Steve Nessl, also a HAVA Director, “Being able to donate our latest and largest vehicle to the HAVA cause will be an opportunity for our U.S. based employees and dealers to share in the pride of making a difference in the lives of dozens of America’s military heroes. Our nearly 8-year association with the HAVA team has been gratifying for all as the organization has grown, and we are always looking for more ways to help. We felt that donating the full-featured Viking 6-seat vehicle was a great way to demonstrate our on-going commitment to those who have sacrificed so much for freedom.”

In 2015, the new HAVA Viking VI vehicle will see service on hunts in Washington, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas in support of the disabled men and women that HAVA’s shooting and outdoor industry sponsors are pledged to repay for their service.

For more information, please visit www.honoredveterans.org and www.yamaha-motor.com.