MADISON, Conn. (WTNH) — It’s a cross-country motorcycle ride to honor the fallen, including a Special Operations Captain from Connecticut that is one of five honorees. Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel was killed in 2013, a now his step-father is taking part in the ride in Andrew’s honor.
The ride will start in San Diego, California, and end in Washington, DC. Bob Keiser bought a Harley Davidson trike just for the event, and in addition to raising money for the charities involved in the ride, Bob plans to raffle off the bike later this year; with proceeds going to the foundation they started in Andrew’s honor.
Helen Keiser says there are heroes among us. Her son, Andrew Pedersen-Keel, was one of them.
“They walk silently, and if there’s a way to thank them, that’s what APK (Andrew Pederesen-Keel) Charities is about.”
For Helen and her husband Bob, a new life was born after Andrew’s death. Andrew was killed in Afghanistan three years ago. Now, they work in their son’s memory, fundraising for organizations that supports those who serve in the military.
“Is it like weekly, bi-weekly that you’re doing these things,” Helen Keiser said. “Daily. Daily, we are immersed in Andrew’s life.”
It’s a life that was cut short, but full of passion until the very end.
“He loved sports,” Keiser said. “He was a three sport athlete, and I remember like he bought the Whaler’s cap before he was deployed… It’s really been through a lot.”
Andrew decided to attend West Poitn after watching the attacks on September 11, 2001. He graduated in 2006, and was deployed for the first time in 2008. He became part of the Special Forces in 2012, and went to Afghanistan for a second time that same year.
“He was just taken with how professional and how trained the special forces units were, because they do work with the community. That’s their job is to train Afghani police and Afghani Army,” Keiser said.
Andrew was killed by an assailant wearing an Afghan National Security uniform on March 11, 2013.
“I answered the door, and there were two army officers standing at the front door,” Keiser said. “It’s the pretty standard line ‘We’re sorry to inform you’.”
When asked if she knew as soon as she opened the door, Keiser replied, “Yeah, yeah. Absolutely. It was a shock.”
Thursday, Bob Keiser will fly to California to take part in the third annual Coast-to-Coat Ride for the Fallen. Riders will raise money for veteran’s health care and support.
Bob was asked by organizers to participate in Andrew’s honor.
“I’m nervous,” he said. “I haven’t ridden a motorcycle in 50 years. I’m the oldest one riding. Most of the other folks are half my age, so it’s it’s a big task, but it’s something similar to what most people do. if they really wanna do something bad enough, they do it.”
The 14-day journey will cover nearly 4,000 miles, and will end at Arlington National Cemetery, where Andrew is buried on the day before the 15th anniversary of 9-11; the day that set the path for Andrew’s life, and death.
News 8 is once again a proud sponsor of Vets Rock, taking place on Veteran’s Day, Friday November 11th, and Mohegan Sun Arena. Lineup for this year’s event will be announced soon.
