The Callen Foundation proudly announces the acceptance of the proceeds for the first Davon Collins Off Road Memorial Ride located in Sunbury, Ohio. Presenting the check, at the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial in Sunbury, Ohio for $2,300, is Specialist Collin’s mother Jill Bixby. Also attending from left to right, Board member Jerry Jodrey, U.S. Army Retired and Vietnam Veteran, U.S. Army Recruiter, Joe Desrochers, Stepfather Alex Bennett, Mother Jill Bixby and Foundation Founder and Vietnam Veteran, Chris Callen.

Specialist Davon Collins Story: Joining the Ohio Army National Guard early in 2013 during his Junior year of high school, then PVT Davon Collins was set to split his Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, and his AIT, Advanced Individual Training, at Ft. Leonardwood over his junior and senior years of high school. Enlisting at 17 years old, he wanted the challenges serving in the military was going to give him. He had something to prove to himself and was eager for the next steps in his life. With the support of his family, he leaped into so many unknowns. It wasn’t easy, but easy wasn’t what he wanted. He felt out of his element, but had no idea, so did everyone else. He quickly became the "go to" person for so many of his fellow soldiers. Just to be around Davon, you knew you were going to have fun. He kept you laughing and was always optimistic with every challenge. “Let’s do this” was his approach to everything

Upon completing his initial training, Davon reported to his unit, the 1483rd Transportation Company, where his job was to be a vehicle operator, driving several of the Army’s large trucks. An avid “car guy”, Davon loved driving and was excited the Army had this job for him. SPC Collins was a part of several missions over his time in the National Guard. Patriot Bandolier was one he really enjoyed. A cross country convoy from east to west, he saw so much of the country he was serving while doing what he had been trained to do. He would say the most impactful to him was traveling to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria to provide humanitarian aid to the people on that island, as he had always said “I want to make a difference.”

At his unit, it didn’t take long for SPC Collins to build strong bonds with his new brothers and sisters. SPC Collins is who you wanted in your truck with you. No matter how long the training day was, he was going to make it fun and have you smiling. His first few promotions came quick, reaching the rank of Specialist shortly after getting to his unit. Balancing college, work and his drill weekends, Collins decided college wasn’t what he really wanted, and took a full-time job at Honda. His six-year contract with the National Guard elapsed quickly, and he decided not to reenlist in 2019. By this time, he was focused on his new relationship, new career and starting a family. Davon stayed in touch with his unit members as he set forth on his new journey.  

As Davon was always one to help others in any way he could, his family felt the best way to honor him and celebrate him, was to setup a charity event to raise money for The Callen Foundation. His mother and stepfather are avid off road enthusiasts, and with the help of their friends in that community, created the Davon Collins Off Road Memorial Ride. Last June, close to 100 people came to the event in Sophia, West Virginia and took part in the ride and raffle, raising over $2,000 to help our military families in need.