by Gerri Peterson It was an extra memorable 4th of July weekend for Mullen’s Todd Peters when some unexpected visitors arrived at his family’s gathering on Friday, July 3.
Escorted by Hooker County Sheriff Todd Yost, two motorcycles pulled into the driveway. They were there to tell Peters he was selected by Heroes Honor Ride to receive a custom-built motorcycle.
Heroes Honor Ride recognizes nationally nominated heroes for their courage, sacrifice and commitment to their communities. In honor of their service, each year one recipient receives a custom-built motorcycle and is recognized as a honored hero along a 40-mile motorcycle ride to the legendary Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The men on the motorcycles were HHR Director Ty Boyer and Ace Werner, who had Peters for his Army platoon sergeant. Werner had encouraged Peters’ family to nominate him for the motorcycle. Peters knew he had been nominated but said, “There’s no way I was going to be selected.”
Over 1,000 nominations came in. And Peters was wrong.
He said he’s very humbled he was selected.
“I feel like there are a lot of deserving people, and I don’t feel like I’m one of them,” he said. “I’m very appreciative. I’m just proud to represent Mullen and my family.”
Peters will receive the custom-built Indian Motorcycle at the Heroes Honor Ride, which will take place Sunday, Aug. 9 from Belle Fourche, South Dakota, to Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, South Dakota. The ride is limited to 200 riders, but registrations are still being taken at heroeshonorride.org.
Here is what Peters’ daughter Erica wrote in her nomination: Veteran Sergeant First Class Todd Peters deserves to be recognized with this motorcycle not only because he is my dad, but because the life he has lived in service to others speaks louder than any words ever could.
List of awards: * Bronze Star * Army Achievement Medal * Army Good Conduct Medal * Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (4) * National Defense Service Medal (2) * Global War on Terrorism Service Medal * Iraq Campaign Medal * Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3) * Army Reserve Ribbon * Overseas Service Ribbon * Armed Forces Reserve Medal These awards, earned over 21 years of service, reflect courage, dedication and sacrifice. But if you asked my dad about them, he would likely brush them aside. To him, the true honor was never the medals - it was the chance to serve his country, to stand beside his fellow soldiers, and to make a difference in the lives of others. He doesn’t see himself as extraordinary, but to me, and to so many others, he truly is.
Service has never been something my dad turned off when he came home. He has always continued to give whether through volunteering with fire departments, serving on community committees, or dedicating his time as an EMT. Even now, he continues that commitment as the Commander of his American Legion Post #109 and as the Hooker County Veterans Service Officer, always putting others before himself.
Growing up, I knew my dad was serving our country, but I didn’t fully understand the weight of that sacrifice until I became a mother myself. Now I see it through a different lens. While he was away protecting our freedoms, he left behind a wife and two young children who missed him deeply every single day. There were countless nights we wished we could be in his arms, but instead we held onto video calls, treasuring the sound of his voice and the sight of his face on a screen.
The men and women he served beside became his family while he was away from his own. And he carried that responsibility with him in a way few people ever truly understand.
Before deploying, my dad made a promise to his soldiers’ families - that he would bring their loved ones home. While deployed in Iraq, one of his soldiers was killed in action. When my dad requested to personally bring him home, he was met with resistance. But giving up was never an option. He fought tirelessly up the chain of command until his request was finally approved. He kept his promise, returning home with his soldier so he could be laid to rest with honor and dignity. That is the kind of man my dad is - someone who does not walk away from a promise, no matter how difficult it may be.
Even in retirement, that sense of duty has never left him. His soldiers are still his family. When one soldier’s mother hadn’t heard from her son, my dad didn’t hesitate he traveled all the way to Tennessee to find him. Despite the obstacles, he didn’t stop until he knew that soldier was safe. That is who he is at his core: someone who shows up, no matter the distance, no matter the challenge.
I am endlessly proud to call him my dad. His strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others have shaped who I am today.
Todd Peters deserves this recognition not for the medals he wears, but for the promises he has kept, the lives he has touched, and the quiet, selfless way he has served both his country and the people in it.