On March 5, 2022, the City of Brooksville was honored with the gift of a United States Flag during the First Annual Hernando County Bike Fest. 

City of Brooksville Gifted United States Flag

The flag was presented by Hernando County Bike Fest President, CPT (Ret) Michael DeFelice to the City of Brooksville as a symbol of gratitude and enduring partnership for hosting the First Annual Hernando County Bike Fest.  It was presented on behalf of 1st Sgt (Ret) John Borders, 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment “First or Not at All”; who lost his right leg and received multiple life-threatening injuries, to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack on 5 January 2006 in Taji, Iraq while conducting mounted security during a combat patrol. 

The flag was flown by CPT (Ret) Michael DeFelice, President, Hernando County Bike Fest while assigned to Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 153rd Cavalry Regiment “Darkhorse”, Florida Army National Guard, and forward assigned to Headquarters Troop 1st Squadron, 152nd Cavalry Regiment “Fit To Fight”, Indiana Army National Guard, while serving as Base Defense, Security and Logistics advisor to the Iraq Military Police Battalion Commander responsible for support of coalition base defense and security at Forward Operating Base Taji. 

The Hernando County Bike Fest event raised funds throughout the course of the event resulting in a sizeable donation to 1st Sgt (Ret) John Borders in the amount of $6,000 to assist in making his home accessible.  In addition, $250 was donated to American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E) of Florida, Inc. – Freedom Chapter, $250 to F.A.I.T.H Riders – Motorcycle Ministry, and approximately $550 of beverages and equipment to Brooksville Main Street.  

For more information contact the City of Brooksville at 352-540-3810 or Hernando County Bike Fest at https://www.hernandocountybikefest.org/