OUR HISTORY


The Patriot Express is a series of motorcycle related events and fundraisers, designed to raise the awareness while providing donations, support, and counseling, to the families of our injured veterans, including the troops who return from duty with long-term medical care needs.

This movement was created as part of the Dave Barr Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, (77-0430310) founded by Dave Barr, a double-amputee veteran who has written books and ridden motorcycles on six different continents.

Patriot Express was created in the year 1996 by The Dave Barr Foundation, and was established to support charitable organizations, both in the U.S. and overseas, that are dedicated to improving the lives of our military families. Through donations, we are able to provide aid to those who know all to well the price of war, our military families. Whether a veteran returns with PTSD or a long term medical need, the Patriot Express can help by directing families to counseling services and other avenues, to prepare them to cope with caretaking of someone who has suffered some type of emotional trauma, an injury, a missing limb, or who may be total care. 95% of the donations recieved through Patriot Express events are distributed to the organizations who provide these services and work directly with the veterans and their families.

The Patriot Express is made possible by donors like you and by our "State Captains," a band of volunteers across the states, who organize our rallies, rides, and fundraisers. By keeping our expenses low, we are able to invest significant amounts into our service. Because no one associated with the organization is paid it allows for 95% of all money raised to go directly to aid our military families.


Beneficiaries of the Patriot Express Foundation


Click on the image above to find out more about K9 for Warriors

Mission Statement
Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly-trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma.



Click on the image above to find out more about Stop Soldier Suicide

Mission Statement
Not all crisis looks the same. Stop Soldier Suicide is our promise to those who are facing it. Our struggles may be loud or silent; all-consuming or passing; during service or any time after; a moment or a lifetime.
We have a relentless focus on results. We don't just say we support vets - we actually save lives.
With your help, we can move even faster to drastically reduce veteran suicide rates.



Click on the image above to find out more about K9 Partners for Patriots

Mission Statement
We exist to prevent veteran suicide, to provide hope and healing for those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury or Military Sexual Trauma. Together we provide a positive path forward through the experience of training and caring for their own service dog in a safe environment of camaraderie, friendship & family that brings veterans from self-doubt to self-confidence; from isolation to reconnection.



Click on the image above to find out more about Services for Humanity Foundation

Mission Statement
The Foundation is dedicated to serving Military Members, their Families and Veterans of Wars past and present. We fund Supplemental Education and Holistic, credentialed treatment options not offered by traditional providers for "Life Trauma", PTSD and other critical concerns.
Our purpose is to assist others in attaining the knowledge, tools and treatment to create a life of lasting joy and happiness. Our goal is to energize others and those who have given so much of themselves with hope and healing.



Click on the image above to find out more about American Gold Star Mothers

Mission Statement
Our mission is to assist all those who bear the sacred name of “Gold Star Mother” and help each other bear the cross of sorrow which has come to us through the sacrifices of our Sons and Daughters made for Freedom and Democracy; to work for the mutual benefit of All Gold Star Mothers; to minister and serve the disable comrades, as best as we can, of our Sons and Daughters; to cooperate with all Veterans Service Organizations, Civic and patriotic organizations in commemorating the deeds of our Fallen Heroes particularly on Memorial Day and all through the days of the year; and to encourage peace and harmony between all peoples.



Click on the image above to find out more about American Blue Star Mothers

Mission Statement
We are mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guard or reserves, or children who are veterans. We support each other and our children while promoting patriotism. Our organization focuses on our mission every single day and will never, ever, forsake our troops, our veterans or the families of our Fallen Heroes.
We have nearly 6,000 members from over 200 Chapters throughout the nation.



Click on the image above to find out more about Fisher House Foundation

Mission Statement
Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military & veteran families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital.



Click on the image above to find out more about The Long Walk Home Organization

Mission/Vision Statement
To help Veterans make the transition from military to civilian life.

Our vision is that all military personnel and their families receive the support they need for the transition from military service to civilian life and that civilians are engaged, compassionate and supportive of service men and women during this transition.