<p> L e b a n o n V A 1 7 0 0 S o u t h L i n c o l n A v e n u e M e d i c a l C e n t e r L e b a n o n , P A 1 7 0 4 2 ( 7 1 7 ) 2 2 8 - 6 0 7 9 </p><p>D e p a r t m e n t o f V e t e r a n s A f f a i r s N e w s R e l e a s e </p><p>Contact: Norman S. Faas, Jr., 717-228-6079</p><p>For Immediate Release</p><p>June 6, 2008</p><p>BIKERS RIDE TO LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER TO RAISE MONEY FOR VETERANS</p><p>On Sunday, June 22, 2008, motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to attend the 18th Annual Operation: God Bless America XIII, a ride for veterans to the Lebanon VA Medical Center (LVAMC), Lebanon, PA. </p><p>Beginning in the mid – 1990s, Operation: God Bless America started raising money to benefit the veterans of this country by organizing motorcycle riders for mass “rides” to VA Medical Centers. Money is raised to provide to veterans books, computers and personal care items. </p><p>Last week, the record setting ride from Greencastle, PA, to the Martinsburg VA Medical Center included over 2,000 motorcycle riders and raised $55,000. Participants included riders from the U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club.</p><p>Registration for this event will begin at 10 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. at the Sunoco and Express Mart off exits 52A and 52B Route US 11 and I-81, Carlisle, PA. A $10 per person donation is requested, with proceeds directly benefiting veterans at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. </p><p>Departure from Carlisle is set for noon following registration. Approximate arrival time is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in Lebanon. A ceremony and presentation of monies will occur at 2 p.m., preceding a picnic and social time. Robert W. Callahan, Jr., Director of the LVAMC will be in attendance. </p><p>No alcoholic beverages will be permitted. The ride will occur rain or shine. For additional information, please call (717) 259-7365, or visit the website for Operation: God Bless America at www.operationgodblessamerica.tripod.com. </p><p># # # cc: The Lebanon Daily News FOX - 43 The Harrisburg Patriot News WHTM - 27 The Lebanon Patriot News WGAL – TV 8 Intelligencer Journal WHP – TV 21 Pottsville Republican WLBR Hershey Chronicle WHP York Daily Record WPHB Elizabethtown Chronicle WNNK Middletown Press & Journal WPPA Paxton Herald WRFY York Dispatch WSBA Lebanon County Senior WEEU Reading Eagle The Merchandiser</p><p>NFAAS:qecf 6/06/08 00-MR&PA 10 00</p>