When Harley-Davidson dealership owner Dennis Packee wrote a letter to a soldier’s wife, he never expected it to go viral. He was only trying to reach out to an individual who he knew was going through a struggle. And although he wrote the letter from his heart, he could never have guessed that it would touch so many thousands when it was later shared online.
Before he was deployed overseas, Christopher Walters rented a space to store his motorcycle at Reiman’s Harley-Davidson. While he was away, his wife Jaime failed to stay on top of the rental space payments. With two children to watch over, she was overwhelmed with all the responsibility now that Christopher had left for his tour of duty.
Because unexpected problems popped up, Jaime fell behind on the Harley-Davidson payments. And when she realized her mistake, she sent the late check in the mail with a long apology. Now Dennis Packee’s response has gone viral…In her letter, Jamie explained why the payment was late. And when Dennis read her reason, he refused to take her money. He knew that she needed it more than him. You send that money back to her,” he told his office employee.
Decades ago, Dennis was almost drafted into the Vietnam War. But when he had his medical examined, he was discharged. Since then, he has understood the sacrifices the men and women who serve America make on a regular basis. And Dennis has always been looking for creative ways to give back. When he saw Jamie’s letter and late payment, he knew this was one of those opportunities.
Accepting Jamie’s money was not only a problem for Dennis, it was against a policy Dennis instituted more than 18 years ago. He wrote back to Jamie, returning her money, and explaining the dealership policy. “Enclosed, you will find the check you mailed to us regarding the account of Christopher,” Dennis’s letter read. “It is the policy of Reiman’s Harley-Davidson to waive storage fees for our active duty service members who are deployed. It is our honor to keep your bike safe and secure while you provide us with our freedoms.” And he forgot all about it…Until he was flooded with calls of goodwill. Random people started thanking him. Jamie had posted Dennis’s letter online and it had gone viral…
Because Dennis doesn’t even use Facebook, he didn’t know how it worked. But the attention not only shocked him but increased his love for America. “It was impossible to answer them all. I got to thinking, this is America and people DO care. They care about their soldiers and they’re expressing that,” Dennis said. “America is still America. I was a little worried about how our country was going, and to see people step forward in this way, it’s just enlightened me. A small effort like this, and look where it’s gone. Maybe more will do the same thing.”
Mr. Packee is a good man! It shows that some Harley Davidson dealerships put the customer first and this is a great example!
The motorcycle ride is great therapy for a soldier after a deployment. Mr. Packee just made it better!
Thank you, Sir!
GREAT JOB DENNIS !!!!!
An extremely nice gesture from a dealership. It’s nice to see that some people, sometimes can be more interested in people than the money in their pockets.
If I lived in Ill., I’d buy from this dealership. THAT’S a good man!
It’s a shame more people don’t do this. One late cheque for the dealership probably isn’t going to be a make or break situation for that dealership, but for that family it might be.
Actions like this is what makes AMERICA GREAT!
Too bad Trump’s still coming up short with all his promises to the parents of military men and women who’ve recently died in action
In this country there a lot of “class acts” and Mr. Packee is one of them. I’m glad he is associated with Harley Davidson and I’m glad he appreciates the military!
Semper Fi, Sir !
Well done sir!!
From the rest of a grateful nation, thank you Dennis for honoring our military in this simple way and thank you Mrs Jamie Walters for doing the toughest job in the military
Mr. Dennis Packee went far beyond the normal and my hats off to him! Folks like Mr. Packee are what makes the United States America truly what it is..GREAT!
Good bless them all and a safe return for our brother in arms.
Boss Hawg
well done mr dennis packee
Cool, very cool!
A heartfelt and proud salute to the Walters and Dennis.
I’m so glad he didn’t behave like a cave man and tell the wife that her husband knew what he signed up for.
Knew what he signed up for and is therefore a hero!
Well done, Ghost of HST. Take a good story and try to ruin it with smear.
@Gym. Every serivce person does know what they signed up for, and they still signed. What they didn’t sign up for was cheap smears at their expense. Is you tiny cowboy hat too tight?
God Bless Christopher, Jamie and for sure, Dennis as well…
A wonderful and kind gesture in a world where it is now rare. Sure nice to read it here as well, not usually a place we hear kind comments from the gallery.
Cyril, thanks for sharing. We all should follow your lead and find something nice in our day to share with others. Another reason you are my hero.
Wow what a great man. I’m in Australia and totally unrelated to this but a lot of people could learn from his example. Life’s not about what you take, rather it’s what you give
Hey Ghost – you can’t thank one guy without still being pissed off that Cankles didn’t win?
Dennis and others in this story make all persons realize (or should) how really great people could and should be in any time of crisis. We give away (a special product) for all active service personnel and the spouses (OR ANYONE WHO) is pregnant and have for 30 years now. I know that any financial help, supports in many ways, to those who really have a time of need. I salute you Dennis and also, the Walters for for their service. She’s serving too and we know what a strain it can be for those “back home”.