"Soldier Ride" - Raising Money for Our Wounded

www.soldierride.org

What is Soldier Ride? Wounded servicemen and women cycling across the United States From Montauk, New York to San Diego, California to spread their inspirational message of courage and hope. The brave men and women participating in this event are cycling in support of their injured comrades recovering in military hospitals across the country. All of the participants are provided the adaptive equipment they need to cycle though missing one or more limbs.

Who is Participating?- 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! Soldier Ride organizes cross country and local bicycle trips used as rehab opportunities for soldiers recovering from major injuries and also to raise awareness. Funds raised go out to such organizations as the Wounded Warrior Project ( www.woundedwarriorproject.org) and Disabled Sports USA ( www.dsusa.org) You can learn more about us at www.soldierride.org or please feel free to contact Nick Kraus at 516 994 5907 or Nickraus@hotmail.com


Soldier Ride began in East Hampton , NY as an effort to raise money and consciousness for soldiers who were severely wounded overseas. Last year Chris Carney a local bartender embarked on his second cross-country Soldier Ride, cycling from Los Angeles to Montauk, New York. Soldiers from the current conflict and veterans, both disabled and not, rode with Carney on Soldier Ride. Over the last two years Soldier Ride helped raise millions of dollars for the WWP.

These funds are being used to:

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  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.
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  Hire full-time benefits counselors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Brooke Army Medical to distribute comfort backpacks to amputees.
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  Conduct adaptive sporting events and clinics to build self-esteem and independence for those who suffered catastrophic injuries, for example the Breckenridge Colorado Ski Spectacular and our recent Florida bicycle program.
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  Develop peer-mentoring programs where rehabbed soldiers can lend support to their newly injured comrades.
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  Organize Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symposia to help the estimated one in six soldiers who suffer from this disorder.
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  Transport soldiers and their families between home and hospital, as well as purchase a van to transport soldiers to functions in the Washington D.C. area.

Soldier Ride has received extensive media coverage in The New York Times, New York Post,The New York Daily News, The Cleveland Plain Dealer and Newsday. The project has also appeared on NBC's Today in New York, The O'Reilly Factor, Fox News Radio's Tony Snow Show, HBO's Inside the NFL and CNN's Larry King Live.

Several notable people have helped with Soldier Ride fundraising efforts, including Jimmy Buffett, Jon Bon Jovi, Pat Lofaintane, Gary Sinise, Alec Baldwin, Tony Snow, Harris Yulin, Stephen Lang, Bill O'Reilly, Congressman Tim Bishop, Senator Bob Kerrey, and many more.
www.soldiersangels.org

Soldiers' Angels will be hosting the closing ceremonies and beach party for the riders at Semper Fi Park in San Clemente on July 29, 2006 at 3 pm. Adam's Attic, The Bader Band, and Jillian Russell will be performing at the beach party. Mayor Wayne Eggleston and the community are excited and happy to help Soldiers' Angels honor these riders. Please join us in welcoming the riders by lining the streets and showing your support as they ride into San Clemente.
Soldiers' Angels is an all volunteer, 501 (c) (3) non-profit based in Pasadena, Ca. Donations to help offset the costs of the closing ceremonies can be sent to:

Soldiers' Angels
150 North Loop 1604 West, Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248
Attn: Soldier Ride

Please make checks and money orders out to Soldiers’ Angels. You can also donate on-line or adopt a soldier at www.soldiersangels.org. Include what your donation if for in the comments section.