Cecil "Zeke" Yount, the humanitarian.

I hope you read my earlier post where Zeke and his wife are very involved with their community and the Annual Haywood County Motorcycle Parade and Toy Run. This year they expect to raise another $14,000 in cash and another full Salvation Army Truck load of toys.

We know him as a cyclist and a community organizer/fund raiser. Zeke is a member of the League of American Bicyclist and BicycleHaywoodNC, a member of LAB. Cecil is not only a biker, he is a cycling activist.

Here is a part of this man you may not know. Cecil Yount is a guardian—a guardian of World War II Veterans to our Nation’s Capitol to see the National WWII Memorial. Through the HonorAir Flight Network, which provides a charted jet for the veterans to travel on, Zeke has now made 3 trips escorting WWII Veterans from western North Carolina.

He says:

I am always ready to spend the day with the guys and gals of WWII. Once they start talking (and they don’t often, which is a hallmark of the WWII Vet), I really develop a deeper appreciation for their sacrifices some 50+ years ago. To see citizens come up and shake the hands of these folks and say “thank you!” is remarkable and awe inspiring. They also bring history to life for me. On this trip, I met a Vet, who played sports with my namesake before he was killed on Saipan. We were privileged to share the memory of a Veteran, who was on Iwo Jima when the flag was raised. It is truly an emotional journey each time I’m allowed to join these folks…

Please enjoy this video:

In addition to his activist, community, and guardian roles, Cecil [“Zeke”] publishes a blog with stories about his cycling exploits as well as commentary about the roles I’ve mentioned here. Please continue your visits there and thanks Zeke for all you do! Three thumbs-up and hats off to you!

Jim