Editorial: Motorcycle volunteers did an amazing job

This week we profile an amazing effort undertaken by a Hastings man and his friends at a motorcycle repair shop.

The group organized an effort to rebuild a motorcycle for an armed forces member who had been deployed to Afghanistan.

What an amazing project this was, and what an amazing gift it was for the soldier, Northfield native Josh Jacobsen.

This group of dedicated Hastings volunteers worked tirelessly to restore Jacobsen’s motorcycle, and they deserve a big pat on the back for their work.

It’s further proof that actions speak louder than words. Instead of just calling Jacobsen and asking if there was anything they could do to help, they came up with an idea and then got to work.

Many times, when families face something like a deployment, they are approached by concerned family members who say: “If there’s anything we can do to help, just let us know.”

That puts the family members in the position to ask for help, and many people are uncomfortable doing this.

The better solution is to think of something special, then do it.

That’s exactly what this group of men, led by Hastings resident Tim Connell, did. Connell learned Jacobsen had the motorcycle in boxes, and he took it from there.

He sought out the help of his friends at Midnight Motorcycle in Hastings, a new business that fixes all manner of two-wheeled machines. They pitched in, ordered parts, stored the bike, worked on the bike and, slowly, got it all rebuilt in time for Jacobsen’s return from Afghanistan.

Job well done, everyone!

Tags: opinion, hastings, minnesota, spiral, local, may, editorials