With so many reports on charity events and rides from around the country, it's refreshing to see when one of our own is recognized and honored for service to our country and to the motorcycle community.
The appreciation banquet honoring Senator Dave Zien surpassed all expectations and was a huge success. Attorney Michael Hupy, of Hupy and Abraham, S.C. opened the program by welcoming the many guests and introducing some special guests in the audience. The sold out crowd of 180 guests included a presidential candidate and former governor, Tommy Thompson, a Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice, Dave Prosser, and a Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient, Gary Wetzel.
People from 12 states gathered to honor the lifetime achievements of Dave Zien, on behalf of motorcyclists, veterans and gun enthusiasts.
Who is Dave Zien, and why are so many coming to thank him? Dave was president of the Free Riders MC, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. His club was one of many charter member clubs working with rights organizations to overthrow the helmet law in Wisconsin. His lust for the political process found him running for the State Assembly in 1988, ten years after the repeal of the helmet law, and he has served as a legislator until his recent re-election defeat this past November. Along with many other Republicans, he was caught up in a movement for change which benefited democratic contenders.
While in office, Zien was elected to the State Senate and rose to President Pro Tempore. As a member of senate leadership, he was able to move many motorcycle bills through committee and on to a favorable vote. In fact, he authored every piece of motorcycle legislation in Wisconsin since 1988.
ABATE of Wisconsin recognized Zien for being a champion of motorcycle rights for passing bills including confiscation remedies, angle parking issues and biker's rights and safety issues. Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, President of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, was joined by Vice President of Government Affairs, Jeff Hennie, in presenting Zien with a plaque on behalf of the positive legislative actions he promoted, the first time ever a state legislator was so honored. Previously, this award only went to federal legislators. AMA Vice President of Government Relations, Ed Moreland, presented Zien with a beautiful sculpture in recognition of his years of service promoting motorcycling as a way of life. There were accolades from NCOM, Idaho Bike Pac, ABATE of Michigan, A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, Kishwaukee Chapter and the Iron Butt Association.
Wayne Curtin and Steve Phillips of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company spoke of Zien's championing of Harley-Davidson's mystique, heritage and charisma. Curtin worked on legislative issues with Zien and Phillips is Vice President of Quality Reliability and Technical Support, something Zien has needed over the years on his 886,570 mile motorcycle. In fact, he's approaching the 1.96 million total miles mark. He's ridden 31,111 miles in 31 days, a record, and in 2003 logged 113, 800 miles. He's a rider, no doubt about that.
There were some solemn moments in the program as it dealt with veteran's issues and the sacrifice's some have made for this country. Wisconsin Secretary of Veteran's Affairs, John Scocos, complimented Zien on his military service in Vietnam and his efforts to support veterans of all wars. Pam West, Director of the Museum Resource Center for the National Parks Service spoke about Zien's dedication and perseverance in arranging to exhibit a Vietnam era, chopper style motorcycle, at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum during Bike Week. This was the largest object ever left at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Zien and his motorcycle with American and Gadsen flags flowing freely in the wind are legendary. He rides all year around, and has traveled from Seattle back to Wisconsin for a legislative vote, only to turn around and begin a ride back to San Diego for a conference, tattered flags waving and acknowledging all that gazed upon him wondering who this biker in a leather duster, no hat, was.
He championed biker's rights and veteran's rights for years. He is a strong proponent of 2nd Amendment protections and authored a concealed carry bill that passed both houses, only to be vetoed by the governor of Wisconsin, Jim Doyle. He will be deeply missed by many groups who value the Constitution and state sovereignty.
The outpouring of support at his appreciation banquet speaks directly to the respect the motorcycle community has for Dave Zien. Wherever he goes from here, we know he will be successful and that motorcycling will somehow be involved. For now, stand down Marine, and best wishes for whatever the future holds.
