Motorcycles line up to support North Dakota Army pilot critically injured in Iraq

WEST FARGO — Dozens, likely even hundreds, of motorcycles will roar through southeast North Dakota Saturday, June 1.

It’s in support of 41-year-old U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Garrett Illerbrunn.

The native of Langdon was seriously injured in a drone attack in Iraq on Christmas Day.

“Really honor Garrett, he’s a hero to a lot of us,” said John Brooks who is Illerbrunn’s brother-in-law.

The 2001 graduate of Langdon High School was nearly killed in a drone strike in Iraq on Christmas Day.

“His therapists really say he has no quit in him, so we’re really proud of that. He’s got a long road ahead of him,” said Brooks.

Illerbrunn is currently at a rehabilitation center for traumatic brain injuries in Richmond, Virginia, where he will likely stay for the next year to focus on basic motor functions like walking, eating, and talking.

“Responding to questions with yes, no. He knows people in the room, he knows his family, so he’s doing wonderful for the situation he’s in,” Brooks said.

Most of the money raised from the ride will go to Semper Fi & America’s Fund. The organization has helped the army pilot’s wife and 7-year-old son, along with other family members, be by his side during his time at the hospital and now at rehab.

Brooks says while Illerbrunn will be on his mind he said the ride is much bigger than just his brother-in-law.

“Support all veterans, whether they are injured or not. This has really just opened a lot of people’s eyes,” he said.

Illerbrunn will receive a Purple Heart on June 6 for his sacrifice.

The Ride for a Warrior starts and ends at Harley-Davidson of Fargo.

Registration is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday morning with kickstands up at 11 a.m.

Bikers and hot rods will then travel 150 miles, making various stops through the region.

Matt Henson is an Emmy award-winning reporter/photographer/editor for WDAY. Prior to joining WDAY in 2019, Matt was the main anchor at WDAZ in Grand Forks for four years.