GOWANDA - Military veterans in the Western New York area can receive free counseling and assistance with their government benefits when the 2009 Harley's Heroes Tour comes to Gowanda Harley-Davidson, 2535 Gowanda Zoar Road in Gowanda Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 2009 Harley's Heroes Tour include stops throughout the U.S. including more than 175 Harley-Davidson dealerships where benefits assistance will be offered to veterans of all ages in communities where they live.

The mission of Harley's Heroes, made possible with the help of a $1 million grant from the Harley-Davidson Foundation to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), is to provide assistance in obtaining benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for all veterans and to show appreciation for their service and sacrifice to our country.

While on the 2009 tour, DAV National Service Officers will provide benefits counseling to those veterans who suffer from service-connected injuries but may have never filed a claim for benefits or have found it difficult working with the VA.

The Harley's Heroes Tour is brought here locally by Gowanda Harley-Davidson.

"We're very proud to be able to offer this service to our local veterans, especially those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who require our immediate attention and support," said John Reid, the dealership's president and Vietnam veteran.