Tarentum teen and motorcycle clubs collect more than 180 turkeys for vets

Wesley Westerman was in a sea of leather-vested motorcycle riders and a pile of frozen turkeys Thursday at Mogie’s Irish Pub in Lower Burrell for a good cause.

Westerman, with the help of the City Kings and Warriors of Chaos Veterans motorcycle clubs, collected more than 180 turkeys to distribute to area veterans through the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.

This is the fourth year Westerman, 17, of Tarentum has collected the turkeys to give away free to area veterans.

Westerman said he started the turkey drive, with the help of family and friends, to help local families, and then veterans. The effort attracted the two motorcycle clubs, who greatly increased the donations from 40 turkeys in 2020 to more than 180 and still counting this year.

“I keep doing it because it keeps getting bigger and bigger,” Westerman said.

“I like seeing everybody getting together to help,” he added.

His mother, Brandy Jones of Tarentum, said she’s very proud of her son, and added, “you just want to keep helping.”

Bill Newell of the City Kings, a motorcycle club formed by police and related law enforcement workers, said, “There are lots of vets in need, and it’s great to be part of something to help them.”

Craig Harnish and Tony Ricci, of the Warriors of Chaos Veterans motorcycle club, said they helped Westerman collect 90 turkeys last year, and this year they doubled their efforts with 180 turkeys.

The men said they got their club involved, first because the motorcycle club is made up of combat veterans. Then when they learned Westerman was a young man trying to do something to help — they had to assist.

Jessica King, commander of VFW District 29, North Versailles, is handling the distribution of the turkeys to veterans in both counties with the help of the Irwin Elks. The effort includes sending side dishes to the vets as well.

Rich Stefanick, the vice commander of VFW District 29, was on hand at Mogie’s.

“This helps veterans out,” he said. “A lot of people need it.”

Pub owner Dave “Mogie” Magill often opens his facility to community and law enforcement groups to help coordinate events and fundraising.

“It’s about keeping your eye on the ball with veterans and what they need,” Magill said.

Westerman is still accepting donations of turkeys or money for turkeys until Nov. 21. For more information, contact Jones at brandyandshawnjones@gmail.com or 724-980-4786.