About Soldier Ride
Soldier Ride is a program of Wounded Warrior Project and is a rehabilitative sports event for the wounded warriors. But it is much more than that. For many of these combat wounded veterans it is a way to return to an active lifestyle.
These cyclists, many who have been severely wounded, want to give back. The Soldier Ride also helps to raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Even though they have already given so much, they want to give this positive message to the public and pass the message on to the next group of wounded soldiers.
Many of these men and women have been physically active throughout their lives and are not going to lose that. They are going to get on the bike and prove to themselves 'I can still do this.'' Soldier Ride is not about the politics, it's not about the war, it's simply about the soldiers.
History
In 2004 Chris Carney from Long Island New York completed a coast to coast bicycle ride in support of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). This was the first of what would become an annual event, the Soldier Ride.
In 2005 Chris again conducted a coast to coast ride this time with Staff Sergeants Heath Calhoun, and Ryan Kelley and other combat wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
In 2006 Soldier Ride made a third trip across the country, this time with Sergeant Drew Biddle, Staff Sergeant Yegor Bondarenko, and many more combat wounded veterans.
In 2007 Soldier Ride was changed to a regional ride concept with a National Tour consisting of 7 regional rides. This format allowed more communities to become involved with the program and provided more opportunities for wounded veterans to participate in cycling.
In 2008 President Bush held a kick off ceremony at the White House as the regional rides continued and more cities were added.
In 2009 President Obama again welcomed Soldier Ride to the White House. Soldier Ride continues to offer cycling opportunities to wounded veterans and raise awareness for veterans' issues.
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