United States Veterans Motorcycle Clubs (USVMC) are popular social and recreational clubs across the country. “Almost every state has at least one or two,” said Paul Mello, himself a member of the USVMC of Bristol County (Mass.)

The memberships of these clubs are well known for fundraising to help other vets, through rides, fundraising dinners, or other events. The pandemic forced the cancellation of many of these events, so this winter, a group of clubs joined forces to come up with an alternative. Led by the Star Riders of Tiverton, one of the oldest motorcycle clubs in the country (established in 1929), they included USVMC groups from Johnston, Somerset, and Long Island, as well as the Sidewinders of Massachusetts. The members hatched a plan to donate a car to a vet who could use one — but who? To answer that, they reached out to Bristol Veterans Council Vice President Karl Antonevich, who also serves as the Commander of Bristol’s VFW post. Mr. Antonevich had someone in mind: Donald DiPierro, 71, of Barrington.

Drafted at age 20 into the Army and assigned to the 2nd Armored Division, Mr. DiPierro served one tour in Vietnam. “He saw combat almost every day during that time,” said Mr. Mello.

The clubs enlisted the help of area businesses, including Contente’s Precision Auto, Tiverton Auto Parts, Paul Burke, Tiverton Auto Sales, and Island Auto Repair, to putting in the effort to spruce up the Nissan VESA that was presented to Mr. DiPierro at a ceremony March 20 at the Bristol VFW post.