A Few Questions With The Determined Veteran

“Remember, the DV doesn’t stand for Disabled Veteran, it stands for Determined Veteran!”

Meet Jack Cleghorn, a proud ARMY VETERAN who medically retired in 2016 as an SFC.

After his time in service, he started the youtube channel “Determined Veteran” to help raise awareness for our Warfighters. His channel is a hub for all things motorsports, featuring videos on Harleys, drag racing, and wrenching. Jack has recently returned to Youtube after a break, we’re running a headlight giveaway to help him continue to grow his channel. 

Click here to subscribe to his channel and you’re automatically entered into the 18k headlight giveaway.

We sent Jack a few questions to learn a little more about the Determined Veteran. 

How did you get into riding motorcycles? What was your first bike?

When I was 5 years old, my uncle took me on a ride on his old Goldwing, and I was hooked. I grew up as an Army Brat, and while my father was on leave we went to visit my uncle/ his brother in Maryland. Uncle Mike looked at me and said "Hey kid, you want to go for a ride?" and I was like, sure!

He placed me on the tank of his bike and took me over the bridge overlooking the water. The sites were amazing! Once we got back, God rested her soul, my mother was not happy at all. So, maybe the thrill of riding is being rebellious against my parents, who knows LOL!

My first street bike was a 96 GSXR, I saved up a little money and bought it straight from the dealership (CASH) and I started my journey on learning how to ride. Never took a rider safety course till about 3 years into my riding career when the Army mandated all Troops take the BRC Basic Rider Course.

What’s your favorite part about riding a Harley?

Cracking the THROTTLE! No better sound in the world!! My first Vtwin was a 2003 Buell Firebolt I bought when I got back from Afghanistan in 2004. It was my way of dealing with the consequences of combat. Still to this day, it is the best medication to deal with stress, drama, etc.

What’s the best customization you’ve made to your Road Glide?

Definitely, I went with a Kraus setup and love the look of Tbars on a Road Glide, my riding career eventually led me to riding Dynas. I loved the look of Tbars on it, so I wanted to incorporate the handling of a Dyna with the comfort of a Road Glide.

What's the next part you’re planning to add to Project Vader?

It's going to be various visual mods, eventually, I am wanting a real cam and a real tuner which would make some serious horsepower on my stage 4 setup. 

Longest road trip you’ve taken?

Traveling from San Antonio to Washington State was the perfect therapy I needed. As a newly medically retired Army veteran, I was looking for a way to unwind and let off some steam. After years of high-tempo operations, it was amazing to just hit the open road, take my time, and see the open road.

Best restaurant you’ve found on the road?

Willie Nelson's truck stop in Carl’s Corner in Texas. It is now closed… but it had a great chicken fried steak.

What’s a bike trip every rider needs to go on?

That is easy, Tail of the Dragon and the Skyway.

What items are always in your bags? 

Tire repair kit, air pump, clear shades, microfiber towel, and gold bond powder.

Any funny/interesting stories from your time in the military?

Best one was when I was about to leave Minnesota. My branch manager asked me if I wanted to go someplace tropical, and I said "PUERTO RICO!" She said "I got you", I eventually met my wife who was also stationed there. 10 years later I still love her. 

What do you like the most about running your Youtube channel?

The connection with the audience. I believe in building a community.

Any advice for someone looking to start their own Youtube channel?

Oh god yes, thumbnails are KEY. Dont sub for sub and just trust the process, you'll make 100 videos before you get comfortable, at least that is how it worked for me.

What are your favorite non-profit veteran organizations?

https://1tribefoundation.org/

I donate my youtube earnings every year to them its all about giving back… I miss being around Soldiers since my retirement so this is my way of giving back