In the years between Vietnam and Desert Storm, respect and appreciation for the United States Military fell to an all-time low. Because this country had not been in a major conflict for so long, most civilians forgot about the courage and sacrifices displayed by the men and women of the armed forces.

In 1987 a small chopper shop known as High Country Custom Cycles was established. The owner, whose father was a WWII veteran and brother volunteered as a United States Marine in Vietnam, proudly sold pins and patches to honor prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action.

To his surprise, many people did not recognize the famous POW/MIA logo. In an effort to raise awareness, he and his wife gathered a few friends together to don POW flags on their motorcycles, and take a ride through downtown Colorado Springs. That day, the POW/MIA Recognition Ride was born.