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Wounded Warriors Participate in Virginia's 'Ride 2 Recovery'
(June 14, 2009) | 
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| WASHINGTON, June 10, 2009 – Many cheering
and excited Virginians lined the route of the “Ride 2
Recovery” Memorial Challenge bicycle ride, in which 35
wounded warriors took part last month.
This is the second year the ride was held in Virginia.
“The event was very successful,” said John Wordin, executive
director of Ride 2 Recovery. “Participating in this ride
changed the lives of the wounded warriors in a very positive
way. To see their transformation over the course of six days
was truly inspiring.”After
leaving the National Memorial Parade here May 25, cyclists
traveled through Manassas, Fredericksburg, Ashland,
Williamsburg, Jamestown and Hampton on their 350-mile
bicycle journey before reaching Virginia Beach on May 30.
The cyclists were greeted with a concert featuring 2008
American Idol winner David Cook.
Other notable supporters of this year’s Virginia Ride 2
Recovery Memorial Challenge included Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine,
actor Gary Sinise and country music artist Lee Greenwood.
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| Cyclists pose with actor Gary Sinise at the National Memorial Parade in Washington, D.C., May 25, 2009, before Virginia's "Ride 2 Recovery" Memorial Challenge bicycle ride. Fifty cyclists, including 35 wounded warriors, participated in the six-day, 350-mile bicycle ride across Virginia. Courtesy photo |
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In each Virginia town the cyclists passed
through, the American Legion Auxiliary provided support,
including community fundraising dinners. The USO used its
traveling canteen to provide rest stops.
“We were delighted to participate in this bicycle ride for
our wounded warriors,” said Jeff Hill, U.S. regional vice
president for the USO. “One of our programs is Operation
Enduring Care. We sponsor many outings with wounded warriors
to boost their morale. They have always been our highest
priority. To see these servicemembers start this bicycle
journey, some full of doubt, then to see them finish with a
great sense of accomplishment and achievement was
incredible.”
Fifty cyclists, including the general public, participated
in the ride. One wounded warrior who had turned to cycling
as a way to boost his physical and mental rehabilitation was
exhilarated.
“My experience was awesome,” said Army Sgt. Juan Alcivar,
who was shot in the leg by a sniper in Bagdad and lost his
right femur. “I didn’t think I was going to make it. All the
new friends I made helped me. Now, I love to ride my bike.
It was just awesome.”
The Ride 2 Recovery organization hosts bicycle rides for
wounded warriors across the country every year. The Ride 2
Recovery California Challenge will take place Oct. 4 through
Oct. 10, starting in San Francisco and ending in Los
Angeles. The group plans a Ride 2 Recovery Florida Challenge
in December.
The troop-support group raises funds for “spinning recovery
labs” and outdoor cycling programs at warrior transition
units across the country.
“Our mission has always been to improve the health and
wellness of wounded warriors by providing life-changing
experiences for them,” Wordin said. | |
By Sharon
Foster
American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2009
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