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Wednesday, July 30, 2025

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Riding for honor: U.S. Navy veteran Michael Camarillo completes cross-country journey to D.C. in tribute to veterans

Riding for honor: U.S. Navy veteran Michael Camarillo completes cross-country journey to D.C. in tribute to veterans

By Geri Hongeva
Special to the Times

FLAGSTAFF – For Michael Camarillo, a U.S. Navy veteran and lifelong rider, crossing the country on a motorcycle was more than a dream. It was a mission.

Riding for honor: U.S. Navy veteran Michael Camarillo completes cross-country journey to D.C. in tribute to veterans

Special to the Times | Geri Hongeva
Michael Camarillo (center, wearing dark shades and kneeling in black) poses with fellow riders during the 35th Annual Run for the Wall at the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 20. The annual cross-country motorcycle ride honors veterans and raises awareness for those still missing in action.

Camarillo, 63, departed from Flagstaff on May 14 with plans to ride for a few days and return home. But when he reached Oklahoma, something changed. He decided to keep going all the way to Washington, D.C., joining the 35th Annual Run for the Wall, the largest and longest organized motorcycle ride in the country, stretching from Ontario, California, to the nation’s capital.

“I was excited. Going on a cross-country trip on a motorcycle is the ultimate dream for anyone riding a motorcycle,” Camarillo said. “Especially for a good cause in supporting veterans.”

Riding for honor: U.S. Navy veteran Michael Camarillo completes cross-country journey to D.C. in tribute to veterans

Special to the Times | Geri Hongeva
Michael Camarillo stands beside a monument honoring military service members at Veterans Memorial Park in Russellville, Ark., on May 17.

This year’s ride marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. A special green anniversary pin was issued to honor the occasion for the 35th Annual Run for the Wall. For Camarillo, the journey was both personal and patriotic.

To read the full article, please see the July 10, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.

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