From the Military to the Mission
Operation E-Bike was founded by me, a proud U.S. Army Infantry veteran, on a journey to make a difference for my fellow veterans. After serving, I found myself in a place many veterans know all too well – lost. When I transitioned out of the Army in 2023, I struggled to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do. Like so many others, I faced the challenges of adjusting to civilian life, grappling with uncertainty, and managing my mental health.
About a year after leaving the military, I moved to Santa Cruz, California, with my now wife and began taking classes at Cabrillo College. It was here that I found hope and connection through the college’s incredible veteran center. Through their support, I became immersed in the Santa Cruz veteran community, participating in programs and groups that helped me rebuild my sense of purpose.
The Spark of an Idea
During my first semester at Cabrillo, I entered an essay contest for veteran students to win an e-bike. When I won, I was incredibly grateful and quickly discovered how life-changing that e-bike was for me. Riding it everywhere, I realized it wasn’t just a mode of transportation – it was a lifeline. It improved my mental and physical health, gave me a sense of freedom and independence, and even inspired me to contribute to a healthier environment.
A few months later, a fellow Cabrillo veteran, Kurtis Carlson, found himself in a tough spot. After a car accident totaled his vehicle, he was walking miles just to get to class and wherever he needed to go. Seeing his struggle, I felt compelled to step up. I had a car, and I had that e-bike I’d won. I decided to give it to Kurtis.
Watching how the e-bike transformed Kurtis’s life was inspiring. It improved his mobility, mental well-being, and physical health, all while giving him the independence he needed to focus on his studies. Seeing the impact it had on him sparked an idea: why shouldn’t all veterans in need have access to something this life-changing?
Operation E-Bike is Born
That’s when Operation E-Bike became more than just an idea – it became a mission. Veterans deserve every opportunity to improve their quality of life, and e-bikes can be a powerful tool to help them do that. From improving mental health to offering a sustainable way to get around, e-bikes are more than just bikes – they’re freedom, connection, and a step toward a better life.
Being deeply integrated into the Santa Cruz veteran community, I’ve seen firsthand the potential and the need. There are thousands of veterans who could benefit from this program, and Operation E-Bike is here to make it happen.
Moving Forward Together
This journey is just beginning, but the vision is clear: every veteran in need deserves access to an e-bike and the opportunities it provides. By starting here in Santa Cruz, we’re building a foundation to empower veterans and inspire a movement of support, one e-bike at a time.
Operation E-Bike: Rolling Forward, One Veteran at a Time. 🚴♂️🇺🇸
- River E.
Founder, U.S. Army Veteran