DES MOINES, Iowa —

For the last 10 years, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst has taken to the open roads on her motorcycle for her annual Roast and Ride.

But Saturday marked her final one.

This year, she, alongside hundreds of bikers, veterans, and community members, rode to support Iowa's servicemen and women. Specifically, by giving $10,000 to some of their mothers.

"As the mother of an active duty service member, their mission is very near and dear to my heart," Ernst said.

Blue Star Mothers of Iowa said it will use the funding to help them provide care packages for 2,700 of those troops this holiday season.

"Our children chose to sign the dotted line," said April Conway, president of Blue Star Mothers of Iowa. "And as their mothers, it's our job to support them."

But Ernst, alongside many of

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