2007 Face of America Bike Ride - A Ride with Heroes!
Around Feb. 20th, I was invited to participate in a ride from Gettysburg, PA to Washington DC. Unfortunately at that time I was battling asthmatic bronchitis and was not sure if I would be up to participate in the event. However, when I realized this ride was to honor those servicemen and servicewomen who have been severely injured in Afghanistan and Iraq, I knew that my bronchitis was a “non event” in comparison to what these heroes have endured. The event is sponsored by World T.E.A.M. Sports and is titled “2007 Face of America Bike Ride April 28 & 29 – A Ride with Heroes”.
I will be riding side by side with these brave and unselfish American’s who answered the call in the fight against terrorism. These men and women are your neighbors, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters who took the fight to the enemy and refused to allow the enemy to bring the fight to the United States. Many of these brave American’s missed the birth of their first child, missed the first words spoken by their son or daughter, missed important birthdays, anniversary’s and numerous other holidays so that we may have our freedom and go on with our daily lives. These brave American’s did what they did, so that we can do what we do!
It was around Feb. 27th that the news hit the media about the disgusting conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and since then, subsequent articles have hit the media on the poor treatment of our soldiers returning form Afghanistan and Iraq in numerous treatment facilities. As an American and a veteran, I am appalled at the conditions and treatment of our soldiers upon return from a war zone. These men and women deserve the best medical and psychological care that can be obtained because they did not shirk from their responsibility in defending America. They went to war thinking that they would receive excellent medical and psychological care because this is America, the country with the best of everything. I cannot imagine their disappointment and frustration upon returning home injured and having to go through numerous channels and bureaucracy for care. Then, to see the unacceptable conditions of the quarters at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, mouse and rat droppings in the housing for injured soldiers totally disgusted me.
All these factors motivated me to participate in this ride and to expedite my recovery from bronchitis and get my fitness back on track to ride with these “true American heroes.” Freedom isn’t free, and these American’s understand the cost of freedom.
I have pledged to raise $500 as part of a team comprised of 14 cyclists who will be riding as a team in support of these heroes. Please help me support these men and women with a contribution. The money raised will support the costs for the active duty participants, including accommodations, food, outreach, providing usage of bikes, cycling clinics, and all other costs associated with the ride. It is the purpose of World Team Sports, to help these men and women feel they can still be part of a team and to provide moral support to help them in their physical and mental recovery from war. I am honored to have been invited to assist these fine American’s and plan to motivate and support them every mile of the way. Contributions may be made by clicking here.
I thank you for your support and may God bless America and may God bless our military personnel and protect them as they perform their duty of protecting us.