Veterans Connection 08/14/2026

Eighty-one years ago this August, World War II came to a sudden, dramatic end. While the global scope of V-J Day is etched in high school history books, Montgomery County veterans live right next door to the artifact that sealed it: Bockscar.

On August 9, 1945, the B-29 Superfortress Bockscar, piloted by Major Charles W. Sweeney, dropped the "Fat Man" atomic bomb over Nagasaki. Six days later, Japan announced its surrender, bringing an end to a conflict that cost tens of millions of lives worldwide.

Beyond flying the final combat mission of World War II, Bockscar represents Dayton's vital backend support throughout the war. Wright and Patterson Fields served as the nerve center for American military aviation logistics, engine testing, and tactical development. Down the road, NCR’s secret Building 26 built the Navy Bombes that cracked the German Enigma code.

Today, Bockscar sits preserved inside the WWII Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB—a powerful reminder in our backyard of the sacrifices, innovation, and resolve of the Greatest Generation.

Join us for the 11th Annual Motorcycle Ride for the Veterans, in support of the Dayton National Cemetery and the U.S. 250th Anniversary!

Event Details

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Starts at: Harley-Davidson of Xenia
1213 Cincinnati Ave, Xenia, OH 45385

Police Escort: From start to finish!

Schedule

9:00 AM: Registration & Check-in
11:00 AM: Kickstart Up (Ride begins)
Rest Stop: Dayton Campus (Refreshments provided)
Final Stop: VFW Post 8312, 2399 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH

Cost

$25 per rider
$10 per passenger

On-Site Activities

• Door prize raffle & 50/50 drawing (tickets sold throughout the event)
• Post-ride auction, prize announcement, and food provided
• Pre-Registration & Donations
• Scan QR code to pre-register or visit daytonhonsquad.com
• Can't ride? Contribute at daytonhonorsquad.com/donate. For checks/online payments, write "Honor Squad" in the notes section.

About the DMC Squad

The DMC Squad is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We rely solely on community support to honor veterans at the Dayton National Cemetery. Your donation makes a difference!

Special Thanks

• Harley-Davidson of Xenia
• Beavercreek Police Department
• Greene County Sheriff's Office
• Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
• VFW Post 8312

Ride with us to honor our veterans!

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently announced a groundbreaking clinical trial exploring the use of psilocybin to treat Veterans with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD), including those with co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This trial, named PIVOT (Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression), is part of the VA's commitment to innovative solutions for Veterans who haven't found relief through existing treatments. The study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of two different psilocybin dosages and will assess changes in depression levels, side effects, and patient-reported outcomes.

The trial will take place at five VA medical centers across the United States: Birmingham VA Health Care System and Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center in Alabama; VA Portland Health Care System in Oregon; Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia; and VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, Washington. Participants will receive psilocybin in a controlled clinical setting with pharmaceutical-grade drugs and will be supported by psychological care throughout the process. The VA emphasizes that the health and safety of participants are their top priority, with stringent safety protocols developed in collaboration with the FDA.

The VA strongly advises against self-medicating or replacing prescribed treatments with psychedelics or any other unprescribed substances. Veterans are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers before making any treatment decisions. While the trial holds promise for innovative mental health solutions, the VA reminds Veterans that proven, evidence-based treatments are currently available at VA facilities. For more information about the trial, it is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT07226232.

The Ohio BMV offers a wide range of benefits for military members and veterans. Check out the benefits you may qualify for below.

Driver License & State ID Services

• "Armed Forces" Veteran Designation: Adds an "Armed Forces" symbol to a standard Ohio driver license or state ID card upon presenting a DD-214 or county-issued veteran ID. This provides an official, portable proof of service to claim local business and retail discounts.
• Gratis (Free) Driver License or ID: Fully waives state issuance, renewal, and duplicate fees for an Ohio driver license or state ID for veterans with a certified 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA.
• CDL Skills Test Waiver: Allows military members separating within 12 months who operated heavy military motor vehicles to waive the practical driving test portion of the Commercial Driver License (CDL) exam (using BMV Form 2006).

Vehicle Registration & License

• Plates Gratis License Plates for Disabled Veterans: Provides up to two free vehicle registrations and license plates to veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating or received a VA adaptive vehicle grant. Qualifying veterans can choose standard disability plates or any specialty military plate they qualify for.
• Specialty Military License Plates: Offers over 40 distinct specialty plates recognizing active duty, reserves, National Guard, combat awards (e.g., Purple Heart, Bronze Star), POW status, and specific military branches. Standard registration fees apply, but Ohio charges no additional specialty plate surcharge for military designs.
• Free Plates for Medal of Honor, POW & Purple Heart Recipients: Completely waives vehicle registration fees for specific military honor plates, including Congressional Medal of Honor, Former Prisoner of War, and Purple Heart Disability plates.
• Disability Parking Windshield Placards: Issues removable accessibility placards for vehicles to veterans with service-connected mobility impairments, valid for use in designated disability parking spaces across the state.