Living With the Impacts of Service

Though she did not walk through deployment with her husband Edward, she has lived with its echoes for more than fifteen years. She sees the good days and the hard ones, and she has learned, patiently and lovingly, how to recognize triggers, how to support him, and how to navigate the lasting effects of service.

Her experience is a reminder that military service shapes more than the veteran; it shapes the family, too.

Joining the CVMA^®, A Decision Made Together

Dolly joined the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association^® Auxiliary for one reason: to support her husband.

Edward was searching for something that many veterans need after service: connection, understanding, and a place where he felt seen. He talked about joining long before they even bought their bike, but hesitation held him back. So, Dolly did what strong partners do: she encouraged him, stood beside him, and ultimately joined herself so they could walk into this new chapter together.

“If I was going to push him to join, I would join too so I could support and be involved.”

Finding Connection, Understanding, and Family

Becoming part of the CVMA^® Auxiliary opened doors she didn’t expect.

She found other spouses who understood the daily challenges veterans face. She found reassurance that her husband wasn’t alone. And she found a community that felt like home.

Her favorite part? The camaraderie. The gatherings. The friendships that feel like family. And most of all, the chance to help other veterans.

Life on the Bike

Dolly doesn’t ride her own motorcycle yet, but she loves being a passenger on their 2021 Street Glide.

For her, riding is freedom: wind, scenery, and the rare chance to simply be in the moment.

“The wind therapy helps me forget about any problems or the chores waiting at home.”

Her favorite routes include:

• Hwy 47 to Antigo, then over to Merrill for a fun ride and a peaceful stop at a small brewery.
• Lake Michigan on scorching hot days, where the cool shoreline air makes everything better.

Sisterhood, Service, and Standout Moments

Being part of the CVMA^® means family and purpose.

Dolly’s favorite memory of being in the CVMA^® Auxiliary? She jokingly points to the rainy ride to Nationals in Minnesota, though the beautiful ride home helped make up for it. But her truly most memorable moment (so far) was her first VSA ride, an experience she describes as profound and deeply meaningful.

Her message to veterans considering joining?

“Join! You will meet great people and make some lifelong friends.”

Life Beyond the Patch

Outside the CVMA^®, Dolly “Dolls” Hank leads a full and vibrant life.

She works fulltime as a controller for BTG Americas Inc., and she and Edward share a blended family of six, two grandchildren, and three dogs.

Her hobbies include riding as a passenger, puzzles, hiking, game nights, exploring new breweries, and shooting in a women’s dart league during fall and winter.

And here’s a fun fact: Dolly is her full legal name and not short for anything.

Dream Rides

Choosing just one dream ride is impossible for her. Her top picks include:

• Yellowstone (though the potential wildlife encounters make her nervous)
• Hawaii
• The coastlines of the United States

Each one offering beauty, adventure, and the freedom she loves.