COLUMBIA, S.C. — Drivers passing through Columbia may have noticed the rumble first. A long line of motorcycles rolled through the city, but the riders were not out for a joy ride. They were delivering Christmas on two wheels to veterans spending the holidays at the Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
The annual Vets Christmas Charity Ride, now in its 25th year, brings donated gifts and supplies to veterans who are hospitalized or otherwise unable to be home for the holidays. The tradition began a quarter century ago with co-founder Gene Royer, a veteran who wanted to make sure no one was forgotten at Christmas.
Royer said the idea came from personal experience and a sense of responsibility to fellow veterans…