Ride to raise money for injured Marine

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - In February, McCutcheon grad Corporal Matt Bowman was injured while serving in Afghanistan. He is recovering from his injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

His sister, Amanda Bowman, was a guest on NewsChannel 18 This Morning on Monday and said the good wishes from back home help her brother keep a positive attitude.

"It helps a lot. And it helps him get through it, knowing that he has the support back home. It makes me feel better about the whole situation. It makes me feel like he is doing what he needs to do to get himself better and he's enjoying himself while he's doing it," she said.

She said she isn't surprised by his optimism.

"That's just Matt. He's always been like that. And for him to still be like that just means that he is going to be that much better," she said.

Now, the Greater Lafayette community has the chance to help Bowman at a benefit motorcycle ride in Lafayette. It will raise money for travel and medical bills.

"We're talking about 100 miles. A simple benefit ride and it looks like it's good weather," Legion Rider Ted Fenstermacher said.

"The expenses when he does come home, I think that's what we're more concerned about right now," Amanda Bowman said.

Until he does return home, every little bit helps.

The Matt Bowman Benefit Ride will be Sunday, June 5.

Registration is at 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion Riders Post 11. This ride is limited to 200 bikes, so get there early. The ride begins at noon.