With a deadline looming, the Appalachian Guardian Angels and JD’s Country Cooking managed to pull off the impossible: They reacted, organized and pulled together a benefit for Dan Adamson within three days. Adamson, a veteran and former federal officer, is in need of a service dog due to his medical conditions.Thanks to Dan and his wife Ginger’s church and the Lion’s Club of Ball Ground they were able to raise the needed funds to cover the service dogs cost. But the question of travel expenses for a weeklong stay in Jasper, Texas, to get familiar with his new canine companion and “nurse,” British Lab Angelo, still weighed on their hearts.

A chance meeting on February 16 set the wheels in motion. JD’s Country Cooking owners JD and Rhonda Owens had contacted the Appalachian Guardian Angels Child Prevention Network offering a venue for a benefit while AGA’s Director Wendy Dunn leaped into action planning and executing a benefit for the Adamsons.

They scrambled and got the benefit going in three days with a kick-off on Military Night at JD’s to introduce the Adamsons to the community. With veterans in attendance they pledged money and time to the cause. On short notice many were unable to change their weekend plans to participate in the benefit motorcycle ride planned for Saturday but in its stead donated money to Adamson on the spot.

With donations of baked goods, JD’s and AGA held bake sales throughout the week. By the time Saturday rolled around the benefit was in full swing. Setting up a booth outside proudly flying all military branch flags, the group met citizens with smiles, baked goods and the opportunity to ride in the motorcycle procession. Many passers-by stopped and bought goodies as well as donated to the worthy cause.

At two, following a prayer and introduction, the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office led the pack of bikers as they made the hour and a half trek through the mountains in honor of Dan. Upon the completion of the ride smiles and good food met the riders who congregated inside JD’s to celebrate.

Last night the AGA and JD’s came together again to present the Adamsons with their effort’s rewards. Ginger and Dan were presented with a check for $500 and hotel accommodations for their stay in Texas. Presenting the check and the hotel stay, AGA Treasurer Tony Roper said,

“We can never repay you in enough ways.”

The sense of community touched Ginger as she spoke,

“This community coming together has been inspiring and a journey.”

But perhaps AGA Director Wendy Dunn said it best. At the end of the day this corner of the mountains is tight-knit.

“If we don’t take care of our own, no one else will,”

she opined.

Special thanks are due to several people who gave of their time, their money and their hearts to make this come together so quickly. Those persons/groups are: The Appalachian Guardian Angels Child Prevention Network, JD’s Country Cooking and Tavern, U.S. Military Vets M.C. with a special thank you due to Treasurer “Rocky”, American Cruisers M.C., Wingman M.C., Roughnecks M.C., Graybeards R.C. and the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association. Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office and Sgt. Chris Couch; Jasper Police Department and Lt. Mize, Officer Childers, Officer Ellis; East Ellijay Police Department and Ellijay Police Department.

Brief slideshow of benefit:

Short video of the benefit ride:

Please see the previous article for a more comprehensive view of the Adamson’s needs:

Benefit to honor Veteran