For Taamir Ransome, life after the Army did not immediately come with a new mission. Retirement in 2023 left him searching for direction until a service dog, motorcycle rides and time with his son helped restore something military separation had taken: purpose.
That personal recovery now drives Clutches & K9s, the Fayetteville initiative Taamir co-founded with his son, Mario Ransome, and Steve Uy. The organization will bring its Fall Showcase to Segra Stadium from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, combining a stationary motorcycle display with veteran resources, service-dog demonstrations, local vendors and family activities.
“For us, to be honest, it’s therapy,” Taamir said. “Anything with a motor and a shifter in it, we’re going to drive it for therapy.”
The dogs carry equal meaning. Taamir and Mario both have service dogs, and Taamir trains dogs for veterans and first responders at no charge. The work is funded largely from their own pockets, with occasional community support. Taamir said the combination of riding, training dogs and building something beside his son has strengthened their relationship.
“We’re probably closer now than we have ever been in his entire life,” he said. “I think it’s because of Clutches & K9s.”
That bond gives the showcase a purpose broader than polished motorcycles and trophies. Mario said Fayetteville possesses a wealth of services for veterans and civilian families, but too many remain scattered, underpromoted or difficult to find. The organizers want the stadium to become a single point of connection where visitors can meet organizations face to face.
“We’re trying to bring in resources for all walks of life when it comes to the military lifestyle,” Mario said.
Participating groups are expected to include organizations offering veteran, family, health, and wellness support. Mario said vendors are being encouraged to educate and demonstrate their work rather than simply sell products. The goal, he said, is for visitors to leave with knowledge and relationships they can use after the event, and opportunities for residents to volunteer locally.
The motorcycle show will feature selected bikes parked in a secured display area. Organizers plan to use randomly selected judges to reduce favoritism, along with a people’s choice category decided by attendees. The motorcycles must remain stationary, and visitors will not be permitted to handle them.
Service dogs will also be central to the day. Clutches & K9s expects to present several working-dog demonstrations, joined by law enforcement K-9 teams. Organizers strongly discourage attendees from bringing household pets because of the crowd, noise and presence of working dogs. Properly handled service dogs are welcome.
Family programming is expected to include field activities, games, music, raffles and giveaways. Organizers are also working with community groups on interactive demonstrations. Because several activities remain subject to final approval, attendees should check the event website before arriving.
Admission is $20 before fees and taxes, and each paid ticket includes entry for one child. Gates open at 1 p.m., and parking is free around the downtown stadium. Organizers are also planning a blood drive through which donors may receive a $20 gift card.
The event has been largely bootstrapped by its founders. Mario said turning an ambitious plan into an executable public program has required persistence, while Taamir said the greatest challenge has been building awareness for the Clutches & K9s name.
Their measure of success is simple. If someone leaves the stadium asking when the next showcase will be held, Taamir said, they will know the community understood the mission: motorcycles and dogs may open the conversation, but connection is the destination.
Tickets and updated event information are available at fallshowcase.live.