|
Courtesy
United States Army Alaska Public Affairs
Three
Wounded Warriors from Fort Richardson, Alaska participated
in a three-day bicycle trip from Miami to Key West, Fla.
from Jan. 17-19 in support of injured comrades recovering in
military hospitals across the country.
Sgt. 1st
Class Joshua Ferguson, Maj. Charles Greene, and Maj. Marc
Hoffmeister, all members of the 4/25 Brigade Combat Team
(Airborne) wounded in combat in Iraq, joined the ranks of 24
other wounded servicemen on the Soldier Ride; cycling to
spread their inspirational message of courage and hope. All
of the participants employed adaptive equipment in order to
cycle despite missing one or more limbs or other combat
injuries. The cyclists rode from Miami on the 17th, through
Marathon Key on the 18th and Key West on the 19th.
The
origin of the Soldier Ride began in East Hampton, NY as an
effort to raise money and consciousness for Soldiers who
were severely wounded overseas.
|
Photo courtesy of United States Army
Alaska Public Affairs
|
In
2004 and 2005 Chris Carney, a local bartender, embarked on
cross-country Soldier Ride, cycling from Los Angeles to
Montauk, N.Y. Soldiers from the current conflict and
veterans from many foreign wars, both disabled and not, rode
with Carney on Soldier Ride. Hundreds of injured soldiers
have since participated on these trips. Over the last four
years Soldier Ride helped raise millions of dollars for the
Wounded Warrior Project.
These
funds are used to purchase thousands of comfort backpacks
for wounded soldiers on their return including guidebooks on
discharge from service and entitlement benefits. These packs
include such basic comfort items as phone cards, Fresh
clothing, portable CD players and small items that make a
big impact for a returning injured soldier.
The
Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride is a non-profit
organization that raises awareness and funds for our injured
soldiers returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. This
organization is 100% non political. It's not about the war
it's about the soldiers. W.W.P. Soldier Ride continues to
organize cross country and local bicycle trips used as rehab
opportunities for soldiers recovering from major injuries
and also to raise awareness. You can learn more about the
Wounded Warrior Project by visiting (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).
|
Photo courtesy of
United States Army Alaska Public Affairs
|
|
Photo courtesy of United States Army
Alaska Public Affairs
|
|
"We will remain dedicated that your Army in the Pacific is prepared with the
right training, the right equipment and the preservation of the nation's
greatest resource -- our sons and daughters and their families."
