PORTLAND, Ore. – April 2, 2026 – MotoSport.com is honoring U.S. Army veteran and former dirt bike rider Sergeant (Ret.) Matthew Dawson with a full head-to-toe RDRCO gear kit in the Patriot colorway, helping him get ready to return to the ride he loves as part of the award-winning series Military Makeover with Montel®.
Dawson, who served as an Infantryman with deployments to Iraq (2009–2010) and Afghanistan (2011–2012), sustained multiple combat injuries, including shrapnel wounds, a traumatic brain injury and ongoing nerve damage, and was medically retired after rising to the rank of Sergeant. Despite the physical and emotional toll of his service, he continues to push forward as a foreman at a custom welding and fabrication shop while managing PTSD, chronic pain and hearing loss. Alongside his partner, Christina Jacome, and their children Dante (10) and Celestina (2), Dawson shares a deep love of the outdoors, including backpacking, fishing, hiking and dirt bike riding.
MotoSport.com's gift of a complete RDRCO Patriot kit is designed to make it easier for Dawson to get back on a bike with confidence, outfitting him in the newest, high-performance gear the moment he decides he's ready to ride again. As part of the surprise, MotoSport provided an RDRCO helmet, riding gear, boots, goggles, a gear bag, and additional accessories for Dawson and his family so they can enjoy time at the track and on the trails together.
“Riding isn’t just a sport – for many, it’s freedom, therapy and community,” said John St. Juliana, GM MotoSport. “It’s an honor to support Sgt. Dawson and his family in partnership with Military Makeover with Montel, and to help make sure that when he’s ready to get back on the bike, he has gear that reflects his courage and his service.”
The Dawson family is featured on Military Makeover with Montel®, America’s leading branded reality TV show dedicated to supporting veterans and their loved ones. The premiere episode of this special installment airs starting March 26 and runs through April, with the MotoSport feature appearing in Episode 2. Military Makeover airs on Lifetime TV at 7:30 a.m. ET/PT, giving viewers a front-row look at the support and transformations provided to the Dawson family.
This collaboration builds on MotoSport.com’s long-term commitment to the military and veteran community, which includes support for the Veteran Motocross Foundation (Vet MX) and Boot Campaign, as well as an always-on military discount program. All veterans and active duty service members receive an additional 10% off their orders at MotoSport.com year-round by verifying their service through ID.me.
About MotoSport
MotoSport has led the powersports industry by offering the best selection of parts, gear, tires and accessories since 1999 for dirt bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides. MotoSport aims to “make your next ride your best ride” by making it easy to order online and delivering outstanding customer service from knowledgeable Gearheads who own, ride and wrench on their machines. For more information, visit www.motosport.com.
About Military Makeover with Montel®
Military Makeover with Montel®, a BrandStar original, is America’s leading branded reality TV show that offers hope and a helping hand on the home front to members of our military and their loved ones. Hosted and creatively co-produced by talk show legend, military advocate, and Marine Corps and Navy veteran Montel Williams, the series features co-hosts Art Edmonds and designer Jennifer Bertrand as they work with caring companies, non-profits and local communities to transform the homes and lives of deserving military families across the country.
About BrandStar
BrandStar connects people to brands to help them “Do Life Better.” With extensive experience creating customized educational content and delivering it through a multi-channel network, BrandStar offers original television programming on Lifetime, BrandStar.tv, social media, digital marketing, media management and PR solutions. BrandStar helps brands reach the right consumer, at the right time, with the right message, across all the right channels.