How it Works

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Nominate
Fill out the form below to nominate any veteran, active military, or active first responder who lives or works in Napa or Solano Counties.
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Vote
Vote once per day for your favorite hero.
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Share
Share this contest and your hero's story on social media. We want the world to know how important these heroes are.
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Harley Davidson

Can I Nominate More Than One Hero?

Yes

Can I vote more than once?

You may vote once per day.

What Heroes Are Eligible?

You can nominate a hero who lives or works in Solano or Napa Counties. The hero must be a veteran, active military, or first responder (firefighter, paramedic, law enforcement)

Who Can Nominate Heroes?

Anyone may nominate

Who Can Vote For A Hero?

Anyone can vote

When Will The Winner Be Announced?

The winner will be announced at the customer appreciation event at Iron Steed Harley Davidson in Vacaville on September 13.

How Can I Get More People To Vote For My Favorite Hero?

Share, share, share. Do as much as you can to get the word out about your hero. Share on social media. Call, text, and email your friends and tell them to vote. Post a video talking about your hero.

Below is a list of all the heroes that have been nominated for the Harley for a Hero Contest. You can use the search bar to see if your hero has already been nominated. If not, please fill out the form below.

Barry Adams Veteran Army Vote Barry Adams Barry makes sure that all of the veterans in our community are taken care of and volunteers his time to make sure that they are never forgotten. He's always putting on great events for the veterans of our community, and he's a great example of service. Vote for Barry Adams Thanks for voting, come back in 24 hours and vote again!
Jeffrey Cochrane Veteran Air Force Vote Jeffrey Cochrane Retired service member and business owner in Vacaville for over 30 years. Vote for Jeffrey Cochrane Thanks for voting, come back in 24 hours and vote again!
Jonathan Rivas Active Military Air Force Vote Jonathan Rivas Jonathan Rivas is an active duty SSgt that is one of the best leaders I had seen during my 6 years in the service. He takes care of his people way more than most of the leadership did. Vote for Jonathan Rivas Thanks for voting, come back in 24 hours and vote again!
Larry Mitchell Veteran Marines Vote Larry Mitchell My dad is a hero because he dedicated 15 years of his life to serving in the Marine Corps, and even after his military service ended, he never stopped giving back. He spends his free time helping veterans through the Veteran Riders Motorcycle Club, providing funeral escorts and participating in events that honor and support those who’ve served.<br /> <br /> It means a lot to see how committed he is to making sure no veteran is forgotten. He shows up for people during some of their hardest moments, offering respect, brotherhood, and comfort just by being there. His dedication, both in and out of uniform, is what makes him a true hero to me and to so many others in the community. Vote for Larry Mitchell Thanks for voting, come back in 24 hours and vote again!
Makau Hunter Sr. Veteran Air Force Vote Makau Hunter Sr. Mak Hunter spent over a decade fighting for our freedom in the United States Air Force. During Maks last tour to Iraq he was injured in an explosion, losing lung function and damaging his respiratory system. Makau is known for his heroic actions in frontline combat and helping bring home fellow brothers and sisters.<br /> <br /> Having a motorcycle is something he enjoyed in the past but has not owned one in the past decade and has been talking about riding again so here’s to him wanting to get back into this sport. <br /> <br /> Thank you for voting . 🙏 God bless you . Vote for Makau Hunter Sr. Thanks for voting, come back in 24 hours and vote again!
Matthew Pulsipher Veteran Air Force Vote Matthew Pulsipher This person has always served his community even outside of the military. He is a dedicated, resilient, talented and smart individual who thrives with challenges. He has taught other airmen, lead by example, and works hard to help his teams. He has served in the Air Force for 26 years. Vote for Matthew Pulsipher Thanks for voting, come back in 24 hours and vote again!
Preston Barker Veteran Marines Vote Preston Barker If there’s anyone who deserves to ride off into the sunset on a Harley, it’s my husband, Preston Barker—a man who has built his entire adult life around service, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to helping others, both in and out of uniform.<br /> <br /> Preston served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 2009 to 2015, including a deployment to Africa and years of tireless stateside service. But he didn’t hang up his sense of duty when he hung up his uniform. After the military, he became a firefighter, running toward danger while others ran away. He continued that path as an emergency manager, coordinating responses during some of California’s worst wildfires and disasters.<br /> <br /> Since 2016, he’s volunteered with Team Rubicon—a veteran-led humanitarian organization—and has taken on leadership roles during disaster relief missions across the country. When people lose everything, he’s one of the first boots on the ground to help them rebuild.<br /> <br /> At home, Preston is just as devoted. He’s a loving husband and father of three. Despite everything on his plate, he still finds time to serve our military community as a Key Support Liaison at Travis AFB, mentoring and supporting other military families through deployments, hardships, and life transitions.<br /> <br /> Most recently, after a serious health scare related to acute myocarditis, Preston has been sidelined from emergency work and placed on inactive duty. But knowing him, “resting” just means finding new ways to serve—and he hasn’t slowed down a bit. He’s now back in school pursuing his dream of becoming a physician—either in emergency medicine or trauma surgery—so he can continue helping others in their most critical moments, just in a white coat instead of turnout gear.<br /> <br /> He’s humble, selfless, and never asks for recognition. But I can’t think of anyone more deserving of it. Giving him the freedom of the open road on a Harley would be more than a gift—it would be a thank you for a life spent giving back, and a much-needed wind-in-his-hair moment for a man who’s carried so much weight for others. Vote for Preston Barker Thanks for voting, come back in 24 hours and vote again!
Robert Strong Veteran Air Force Vote Robert Strong Serving Veterans through the American Legion. Created a DEI Veterans and their families group through a major medical insurance company Vote for Robert Strong Thanks for voting, come back in 24 hours and vote again!

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with risks. Safety should always be a top priority to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride. Here are the top 10 motorcycle safety tips every rider should follow:

  • Wear the Right Gear

    Always wear a DOT-approved helmet, protective jacket, gloves, pants, and boots. Proper gear can reduce injuries in case of an accident.

  • Follow Traffic Laws

    Obey speed limits, traffic signals, and road signs. Riding recklessly increases the chances of an accident.

  • Stay Visible

    Wear bright or reflective clothing and always use your headlights, even during the day. Make eye contact with other drivers before making moves.

  • Keep a Safe Distance

    Maintain a safe following distance from vehicles in front of you. This gives you time to react to sudden stops or obstacles.

  • Check Your Bike Before Riding

    Maintain a safe following distance from vehicles in front of you. This gives you time to react to sudden stops or obstacles.

  • Ride Defensively

    Always assume that other drivers don’t see you. Be aware of blind spots, watch for distracted drivers, and anticipate potential hazards.

  • Avoid Riding in Bad Weather

    Rain, fog, and icy roads can reduce traction and visibility, increasing the risk of accidents. If possible, avoid riding in extreme weather conditions.

  • Use Both Brakes Properly

    Learn to use both front and rear brakes effectively. Sudden braking can cause skidding, so apply brakes smoothly and progressively.

  • Never Ride Under the Influence

    Alcohol and drugs impair your reaction time and judgment. Always ride sober and alert.

  • Take a Motorcycle Safety Course

    Even experienced riders can benefit from safety courses. Training helps improve riding skills, decision-making, and overall awareness on the road.