A New Haven, Ind., Army veteran is the proud owner of a new Harley-Davidson, thanks to a $25 investment in a raffle by the World War II Victory Museum and RiverCity Harley-Davidson.
Don Amstutz won the bike, a 35th anniversary SuperGlide, designed by Willie G. Davidson. Davidson also signed the gas tank of the bike, which was on display for several months at the museum and at local events.
Amstutz said he considered the purchase of three tickets for $25 as a donation. “I went into RiverCity to buy accessories for my Kawasaki and that’s when I bought the tickets,” he said. “I’ve never won anything like this before.”
The New Haven resident is a long-time motorcycle rider.
It all started with a 1948 Harley that he purchased in 1952. He sold it and bought a 50th anniversary Harley that he rode until he got married.
He and his son have shared a Kawasaki for more than a decade. “When he moved out to get married,” Amstutz explained, “he left the Kawasaki. So I’ve been riding it.
“I never gave up riding in the last 50 years,” said Amstutz who served in the Army in the late 1950s.
He’s already taken his new Harley out for a ride and loves it. “Those Harleys are the gem of the ocean,” he said.
Amstutz’ win was a fitting one, said Bob Krafft, executive director of the World War II Victory Museum.
“We’re here to serve veterans and the fact a veteran won this bike is perfect,” he said. “I hope he has many great hours on it.”
The raffle also strengthened the partnership between the museum and RiverCity. “We are thrilled RiverCity has taken such an interest in the museum and in veterans in general,” Krafft continued. “We hope we can work together in the future.”
In addition to the Harley raffle, the museum also recently gave a free membership package to Dan Walker of Auburn. He registered for the give-away at the DeKalb County Free Fall Fair. The Auburn native served in the Army from 1966 to 1968. He is employed at Dura Automotive Systems in Butler.
For more information about the museum, contact the World War II Victory Museum at 260-927-9144.
The museum is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $10 for adults, $4 for active military personnel and free for World War II veterans.
