San Antonio Soldier Ride 2011

Today part of all the celebrations of Veterans Day weekend was the San Antonio Soldier ride. Soldier ride is a Wounded Warrior Project initiative that helps injured veterans to overcome the mental and physical battles they have to overcome from their unfortunate disabilities. It is a unique interactive cycling experience that honors are brave military men and women, through the exhilaration of cycling with fellow injured service members. And all the equipment and fees are provided at no cost by Wounded Warrior Project to any wounded veteran. Until 2008 the Warrior Ride was only reserved for military personnel, but now it is open to the community and it offers the public a chance to ride alongside our nation's wounded warriors and support them through their tough recovery. It is a very emotional and satisfying experience they lets the nation and communities give back and show are gratitude to the brave men and women of the armed forces who put their lives on the line everyday.

Here is great video that was on the Soldier Ride website that I think you will find interesting

 

 I also learned that the San Antonio Soldier Ride raised $94,058, that will all go to the Wounded Warrior Project to keep great events like this going on for years. And that this years Soldier Ride was dedicated in memory of Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Christopher George Campbell who was a husband, father, son, and brother. "Chris" made the ultimate sacrifice for his brothers in arms on a rescue mission in the Wardak province of Afghanistan on August 6, 2011. He was a highly-decorated combat veteran with numerous awards. "A handwritten note included with Chris' will stated that should he die in combat, rather than to focus on him, his wish was that 100,000 people donate to the Wounded Warrior Project."

 And finally ill end today's post with another quote i found on Soldier Rides website, that shows how something small like a bike ride is really helping are wounded warriors overcome the physical and emotional battles.

"Before the Chicago ride, I wasn't doing too well physically or emotionally. WWP let me meet other wounded vets who had similar injuries and see that they're doing ok and can bike. I'm on my way to recovery and I have WWP Soldier Ride to thank for that."

- Wounder Warrior