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Harley Davidson News

Redneck Air Force Mobilizes Former Special Ops to Support Hurricane Relief Efforts

“I believe they are likely dead.”

These were the sentiments expressed by former Green Beret Adam Smith to his fiancée on September 28 regarding his 3-year-old daughter Tove and her mother. Their home in North Carolina was situated merely 40 yards from a torrent of water, swollen beyond its banks due to Hurricane Helene. No communication had been established with them since Thursday night, and it had now turned to Saturday.

Despite the grim outlook, Smith felt compelled to attempt a rescue, teaming up with a friend of a friend who owned a helicopter. He was on board for the mission.

“When we landed, the greatest joy of my life unfolded before my eyes,” recounted Smith, founder and CEO of a tactical training company called Savage Freedoms. “My daughter came running around barefoot, skipping and twirling in a grassy field, and it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed.”

This rescue led Smith to an important realization: it wasn’t sufficient to save just Tove and her mother. There were numerous others in distress — and Smith had the expertise to assist. Thus, Savage Freedoms Relief Operations, known as Savage Ops, was established in the parking lot of a Harley Davidson shop in Swannanoa, dedicated to providing relief supplies, rebuilding infrastructure, ensuring vehicle access, offering logistical support, and instilling hope in hurricane-affected residents. By the tenth day of Savage Ops’ formation, around 120 individuals had joined him through word of mouth, most being former special operators.

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“Green Berets, Navy SEALs, pararescue, and MARSOC personnel from national strategic assets took the initiative — we had everyone,” Smith stated, estimating that his team logged nearly 29,000 man-hours in the initial two weeks. “By day 10, we had almost a million pounds of supplies delivered.”

Justin Neal, a former Army Ranger, is now part of what locals named “the redneck air force.” He and about 40 other former Rangers ventured into western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene struck, eager to lend a hand. After receiving a call regarding the operation at the Harley Davidson, he felt compelled to learn more.

“Ask for a guy named Adam,” his source advised. And he did; within five minutes, Neal committed to the effort.

“We don’t seek glory; we’re here solely to assist,” said Neal, a soldier from 2012-2017. “I planned to stay for three days, but ended up staying for 10. I just couldn’t walk away.”

Neal, Smith, and their peers encountered devastation on a scale that was hard to comprehend. Smith described it as “the worst destruction I’ve ever encountered, even more severe than a war zone.” Many people who spotted Savage Ops’ shirts didn’t even introduce themselves — they simply burst into tears and embraced the team members out of gratitude.

“We work from dawn till dusk every day,” Smith shared, indicating his intent to remain in western North Carolina for the foreseeable future. “The operations are ongoing with road and yard cleanups, mucking out homes, construction projects, sourcing hay and feed for livestock, and fundraising to pay contractors to help them resume their work.”

Green Beret Adam Smith

 

Their work garnered attention from former President Donald Trump, who met with Smith on October 21 at an auto repair shop in Swannanoa. However, the true significance lies in the sense of purpose and unity Savage Ops has provided its members, including Neal.

“I hadn’t felt this level of purpose since my time in Afghanistan,” he expressed. “I find more meaning in Savage Freedoms than I have in my whole life, including my military service.”

Currently, Smith emphasized, their mission is to restore North Carolina to its former state. Achieving this will require determination, effort, and funding — but Savage Ops is ready for the challenge.

“We cannot allow western North Carolina to be overlooked,” Smith affirmed. “And we won’t.”

Visit www.savagefreedoms.com/savageops to contribute to Savage Ops’ efforts in response to Hurricane Helene.

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Harley Davidson News

Revo Casino Proposal Receives Support from Planning Board

 

Revo Casino Proposal Receives Support from Planning Board
An illustration of the proposed gaming facility included in the variance application documents.

MANCHESTER NH – During a meeting on Thursday evening, the Manchester Planning Board expressed support for a proposal that aims to demolish and reconstruct a new Revo Casino complex located on South Willow Street.

Following the granting of variances from the Manchester Zoning Board of Adjustment last month, two requests were presented to the Planning Board as part of the final steps prior to the commencement of the building reconstruction.

One of the requests involved reviewing a site plan application for the redevelopment, which aims to consolidate three plots into a single new lot. The two lots on John E. Devine Drive, currently home to the Even Hotel and the former Harley Davidson dealership, will effectively merge with the adjacent Revo lot to the south.

In the initial phase of renovations, both the Harley Davidson dealership and the hotel would be demolished to make way for a new two-story casino building measuring 67,175 square feet, accompanied by 290 parking spaces. After this phase, the existing Revo building would be taken down and replaced with an additional 750 parking spots.

The second request pertains to a conditional use permit that would allow the casino to operate without the full complement of required parking spaces during the construction of the additional spaces, which is anticipated to take about 3-6 months. The nearby bank would also be permitted to utilize some of the site’s parking, as demand from the bank and the casino is not expected to coincide.

The redesigned parking area will feature green space and improved stormwater permeability to address flooding concerns, as well as an internal “avenue” to manage traffic flow on-site and prominent landmarks near the newly integrated lot’s frontage on South Willow Street, establishing a recognizable point in one of the key gateway areas of the city, just off I-293.

Upon completion, the facility is projected to accommodate 730 gaming seats, include two restaurants, and feature an events center with a capacity of 800 for concerts and 300 for seated events.

The developers of the project have committed to replanting 43 trees removed from the site in another location within the city.

While no formal decision was reached during Thursday’s meeting, feedback from board members was largely affirmative.

“This is a unique opportunity to revitalize an area that serves as a gateway to the city,” noted Planning Board chair Bryce Kaw-uh.

“I appreciate your commitment to the city; this is a valuable project that is greatly needed in that area,” added Planning Board Aldermanic Liaison Dan Goonan.

A determination regarding the two requests is anticipated at the board’s next limited business meeting later this month, with construction on the casino redevelopment expected to span 18 months.

The casino will also require approval from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the installation of signage along the city’s right of way on South Willow Street, near the casino entrance. Currently, the casino uses parking spaces within this right-of-way; those will be removed, and a complete redesign of the entrance on South Willow is proposed to enhance traffic flow between the casino and the adjacent gas station.


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Harley Davidson News

Johnny Hallyday’s Harley-Davidson Sold to Support Owner’s Retirement

On November 9, a Harley-Davidson previously owned by Johnny Hallyday will be auctioned in Lyon as part of the Epoqu’Auto exhibition focused on vintage vehicles. This 1980s Springer model, a testament to the legendary rocker’s love for motorcycles, is now in the possession of Mickson, a collector and biker from Chauffry in Seine-et-Marne. Mickson acquired this iconic motorcycle in 2014 and has meticulously restored it while preserving its original vintage appearance.

The story of this Harley is deeply intertwined with Johnny Hallyday’s life, as he purchased it in 1982 from Jean Basselin, a close friend who later became his assistant and personal driver. The bike was utilized for public events and filming, notably appearing in the video for the song Diego, free in his head. Now fully restored and valued between 25,000 euros, this motorcycle is already drawing interest from fans and collectors of the Taulier, particularly as Mickson aims to secure a price that will help fund his retirement.

The auction of this iconic motorcycle is stirring considerable excitement. With its timeless design and rich history, it not only signifies a piece of French musical heritage but also embodies Johnny Hallyday’s free-spirited essence.