Indian Motorcycle and the USO Partner to Support U.S. Troops and Families

Indian Motorcycle has announced a partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing programs, services and live entertainment to the U.S. troops and their families worldwide. Indian Motorcycle joins the USO as an Official Partner, which will help the USO support our nation’s men and women in uniform, throughout every step of their military journey.

“Indian Motorcycle has a proud track record of supporting U.S. troops dating back to WWI and WWII,” said Steve Menneto, vice president of motorcycles for Polaris Industries. “Today two great American organizations with a passion for supporting our troops come together to continue that heritage. Our year-long partnership is a celebration of those who currently serve and those who have served our country. We look forward to engaging our dealers, Indian Motorcycle Riders’ Group and celebrity partners of the brand in our work with the USO.”

In celebration of this new partnership, Indian Motorcycle will donate $100,000 to the USO in connection with its newly released, limited edition Mark Wahlberg Collection of apparel to the USO in April and May. Launched in February, the 10-piece organic t-shirt line starts at US $34.99 and is available at participating Indian Motorcycle dealers across the U.S. and Canada and online at www.indianmotorcycle.com while supplies last.

“We are excited to work with Indian Motorcycle and see their enthusiasm for helping America’s men and women in uniform,” said Christy Hartsell, USO vice president of corporate alliances. “A meaningful partnership like this not only helps us provide greater support to the military, but also reminds our troops and their families that the nation they are protecting truly appreciates their service and sacrifices.”

The USO will also become the official nonprofit partner of the Indian Motorcycle Riders’ Group (IMRG), allowing Indian Motorcycle riders to partner with local USO centers and give back to their military community through rides and other charitable activities. Indian Motorcycle supporter and USO Tour Vet Zac Brown and Zac Brown Band will also contribute to the partnership through concert tickets for troops and their families in select cities on their 2015 tour.

The partnership is a natural fit for two organizations with such significant ties to the U.S. military. Indian Motorcycle heavily supported World Wars I and II by supplying motorcycles to the Allied Forces, and has been known for its support of the military ever since. For nearly 75 years, the USO has served the U.S. military and their families throughout their service, from the moment they join, through their deployment and as they transition back to their communities. Although congressionally chartered, the USO is not a government agency and relies heavily on the generosity of Americans. Today the USO has over 160 locations around the world in 14 countries and 27 states.

Indian Motorcycle also offers a $1,000 “Honoring Heroes” bonus on all Indian motorcycles for active or retired military, as well as police and fire personnel. (The bonus is reflected as $500 in apparel with purchase of an Indian Scout motorcycle.) The bonus has been in place for the last two years, and will remain a part of Indian’s commitment to the military for at least the remainder of 2015.

For more information: www.indianmotorcycle.com or www.uso.org.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.