Many of our brothers have not returned. Our brothers, who have given their lives to defend our freedom, deserve a memorial. They deserve to be remembered and honored through our actions and our appreciation for their sacrifice.
Many of our brothers when they return, have the desire for freedom and independence that nothing satisfies, like flying down the highway of a steed of steel. Like many that came before him, when Chief Warrant Officer Justin Bernache returned from his Iraq deployment in August 2009, he needed a bike and started looking for one that fit him. A used 2008 Street Bob caught Justin’s eye. As he looked at it and talked to the sales person, he learned the story behind the bike.
In August 2009, the Street Bob was purchased by Amy Allen of Carthage, NY for her Husband Staff Sergeant Nekl Allen or “Nek” as he was referred to by his brothers in arms. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment in 3rd Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division as an 11B. His wife, Amy, purchased the bike as a “coming home” present as it was his dream bike. Late one afternoon, as Nek was on patrol in Wardak Province, his vehicle was struck by an RCIED and small arms fire.
Nek is survived by his wife, Amy, and his their three children. He was a graduate of Churchville-Chili High School class of 1999, where he was a wrestler, played football and joined the US Army in May 2002. This was Nek’s third overseas deployment. He was previously deployed twice to Iraq. Nek had received more than 30 awards and decorations including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
After a short test ride, Justin was sold and decided right then and there to dedicate the bike to Nek. Justin had a specific design in mind and Amy approved. Caskinette Ford in Carthage, NY, the dealership, threw in 500 dollars for paint because Justin ordered a new rear fender. After a couple of days, one of Nek’s friends contacted Justin and offered to do the special paint job. Justin installed the new parts and by the spring 2010, the bike looked completely different from when it was first purchased.
Justin said, “Wherever I go, people also notice the bike and compliment me on how it looks. I just wish people would look past all that and realize why this bike looks the way it does. I never intended to put it into shows to win money, prizes or fame. I saw an opportunity to show the bike so people can appreciate what Nek gave to the morals and ideals of this country.”
I was introduced to Justin and his memorial bike through Jim at the Colorado Springs Super Show. Justin was awarded the judges choice award at the 2013 event. Per Jim, “I told Justin that there were a lot of high-end bikes at the show but he was welcome to come and show his bike. The judges were struck by the thought and story behind the bike.”
Take a moment of silence and remember our fallen brothers and offer a kind word of appreciation to the ones who made it home.
Until next time… David Campbell
