Mantua – Scott and Trish Snyder, the self-described ‘Old Hippies’ of Hero’s Rock, will be embarking on a tour beginning September 1st. But they’re not planning to follow the Grateful Dead or even travel to some far-flung musical festival. They’re heading out west, traveling through 21 states, over 7,500 miles to personally deliver Patriotic Ponies to show their nation’s appreciation for those who serve and protect us all.
Before their shop in Mantua collapsed a year ago, they made a promise to build 27 tribute Patriotic Pony rocking horses for Fisher Houses across the country. Fisher Houses are similar to Ronald Mc Donald Houses; they provide free housing for family members of a wounded warrior receiving medical care. Fisher Houses make it possible for families to be near their loved ones as they recover and rehab in medical facilities.
The tribute rockers are covered with red and blue handprints, which have been ‘hand’ painted by students, Council members, bikers, attendees at community art festivals — anyone who meets Trish and Scott and wants to show their support to the families of those who serve our country. Each rocking ‘pony’ also features a laser portrait of a fallen soldier as a reminder that their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Nineteen Patriotic Ponies are now completed and scheduled to be delivered to Fisher Houses across the western United States.
The first stop in Illinois will be at a rally to honor fallen soldier Army Specialist Michelle Witmer. The next stop takes place a few days later in Utah honoring another soldier, then the tour heads to Seattle, Washington to honore Marine LCpl. Kenneth Cochran, then on to Tacoma to honor Air Force Captain David Lyon. Making several stops to deliver ponies and honor heroes across California, the Sniders will stop in San Diego to honor Navy PO3 Doyle Bollinger Jr. They will make multiple stops to deliver ponies and honor the fallen in Texas and Mississippi before returning to Mantua in late October.
On their Facebook page, Trish and Scott shared, “It is our hope that these special gifts will show our nation’s ongoing appreciation of our military and their families. Their service and sacrifice protects our freedoms every day.”
For details on the project, the tour or the thank you rallies, visit herosrock.us, find out more at the Hero’s Rock Facebook page, or call Trish and Scott at 650-ROCKERS (762-5377).
