Benefit for Veterans – “One of Many” Sponsors Event

Written by John Face

October 29, 2023

One of Many is a motorcycle group of veterans who came together to help each other but has grown to help many of their own.  As I sat and spoke with Scott Shiery, he explained what the group was about.  Shiery said that it was formed by his old Staff Sergeant, Jeremiah Jones, with the idea of creating a motorcycle club for Vets to have fun riding, get together, talk, and network with each other.

Shiery’s name may sound familiar to many in Albion.  As a lifelong resident of the area, most know his mother, Barb Shiery, a long-time educator at Albion Public Schools.  He grew up in Albion and started his journey, which eventually led to his being asked by Jones to join his new group, One of Many.

Military Connection

That journey for him saw a few tours of duty in the military.  His military journey was, well, different.  He joined the Navy Reserves, then joined the Marines, and after 9-11, enlisted in the Army National Guard.  He was doing two tours of duty in Iraq when a roadside bomb injured him.  Despite those upper body injuries, he would return to his guys to finish his deployment. Scotts time in the Military in total was 15 years.

It would be during one of those tours in Iraq that Jones would call him.  He said, “Jeremiah called me and said he was creating a motorcycle club for just Vets and wanted me to join.”  He said, “Jeremiah, I don’t own a bike.”  Jones’s reply was simple, “I guess you get one.”

One of Many – What They Do

I asked him what the club meant to him and its members.  He said that initially, we just supported each other, which was good.  “I know I needed to be around them. There were times I would tell them it was time to get together.  Getting together made it easier for me and the others, too,” he said.  They became a 501c3 non-profit and began sponsoring benefits to raise money. They sponsor an annual poker run and the chili contest.

How They Help

Now, their club raises money specifically for Vets and families.  He said we wanted to help where the VA (Veterans Administration) ended.  “Don’t get me wrong, the VA does good, but there are things they can’t help with,” he said.  I asked what kind of help the club offers; he shared a story as an example of what they do.

“We had one vet who was young; he had been injured in an accident, was doing rehab, and just didn’t have enough to pay off some of his utilities, so we stepped in and helped him out.”  He went on to say that they adopt a Vet family once a year.  They had one Vet they wanted to help.  She and her husband have 6 kids.  When they got there to help, they doubled the amount they were giving. They just needed it, he said.

He said they really check into the people thoroughly so the money gets to those in need.  So far, their group has given over $10,000, and they are proud of that.    

The Benefit

On Saturday, November 11, One of Many will host their annual chili contest from 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M..  This year it is being held at the Albion Elk Lodge located at 10725 28 Mile Road, also known as M-99.  Easy to get to, follow Superior Street south out of town.  The event is open to all.

If you want to enter your chili in the contest, it will cost a $10.00 donation.  If you just want to show up, taste, it is a $5.00 donation. Check out the flyer here for more details.  Scott wanted everyone to know that every penny raised in the benefits goes to Vets; they pay their expenses through their annual member dues.