Michelle Dale of Vero Beach is on a journey to raise awareness of grieving military families. She lost her son, Army Corporal Dale Kridlo, in 2010.
"On the 7th of November he was killed in an ambush in a province in Afghanistan," she said.
Retired Air Force Pilot Colonel Gary West came up with the idea of riding his bike from Maine to Key West to raise money for gold star families. West stopped to meet Dale Friday at the Vero Beach Veterans Club as he pedaled his way through Indian River County.
"I emailed him and said I am amazed at what you are going to do, and would love to meet you and shake your hand," said Dale.
That handshake is now a bond; West rides his bike in honor of military kids who have lost their moms or dads.
Dale believes the bike ride honors her son and the countless fallen heroes who died.
"Folds Of Honorprovides educational scholarships to children and spouses who have a deceased or a disabled veteran. Their goal is to make sure the legacy of these children are not lost on the battle field," said West.
He said their family members paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
"If you know somebody or if you don't know somebody, find somebody and go out of your way to let them know that you remember and that you care, that you are thankful," he said.
Dale misses her son every day. "What I miss about him is his giggle and his voice."
However, she hopes many more will join West in finding a way to pay tribute to military families.
West's goal is to be in Key West by October 1.
For more information on the Patriot Honor Ride, click here.