Gary Towers

Gary served in the Navy Reserve for two years and the Air Force for four years including a tour in Southeast Asia where he bought his first motorcycle. His first motorcycle license was issued in Udorn, Thailand in 1964. Riding that small bike through the rice patties of Thailand ignited a lifelong love of riding. Gary bought his first Harley in about 2000, a used 1986 FLT, he still owns it. After 911, Gary was disappointed at how former service members were once again being treated and after the way the returning veterans coming home from Viet Nam were treated, he was determined to somehow change that. While that day changed our world, it relit a burning inside Gary that had been there since the ‘60’s. Firefighters, Police and EMT’s were being honored (rightfully so). But when sitting at a Harley Owners Group- Rally a couple of weeks after 911 and those first responders were asked to stand, along with retired and active-duty military and with the MC telling those seated that they owed their freedom to those standing. Gary looked at the other veterans sitting at the table that had not retired nor were active but served the country nevertheless when called to places like Viet Nam or Korea and said, “They are forgetting us again, just like they always have.” In 2004 Gary decided he would do something about it. He created Joe – The Veteran’s Tribute Motorcycle. Figuring that the H-D Classic with its bags and large fairing would offer a good pallet he set about finding the right painter. That turned out to be Scott Draper(aka Shark) from Fort Worth. Gary shared his vision of the bike, Shark understood that vision and proceeded to implement Gary’s dream. Gary has shown Joe throughout the United States at motorcycle and veteran’s events. Joe’s popularity has only increased over the past 22 years. Gary and Joe were standing attendees at The Trail of Honor each May in Jackson, Mississippi when the “Run For The Wall” comes through and The Republic of Texas Rally in Austin, Texas each June. For several years Joe was on display at American Airlines, Skyball event. Generals, Governors, Medal of Honor Recipients, service men and women of all ranks have met Joe. While talking about Joe with someone, Gary also listens to their stories. Whether is the father who has lost his son in Afghanistan to the Chaplain who sheds a tear while looking at the back tour pack where a photo of the traditional helmet, boots and rifle are painted with a sunset in the background. Seeing this bike is the perfect starter to conversations with children who ask endless questions and answers are formed that also touch on history and pride in our freedoms. When Joe was originally created, Gary figured that it would be popular for a year or two, well that has not worked out as planned, it is now going on twenty-four years and Joe is more popular than ever! .