ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Andrews team members have the chance to honor wounded warriors and show their Andrews pride next Friday.
Team Andrews is hosting the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride May 1 at 10 a.m. with a send-off ceremony at the 316th Wing Headquarters building flagpole. The wounded warriors will ride specially adapted bicycles from Andrews to Annapolis, Md., to raise awareness of issues veterans face when returning wounded from war.
"We're inviting everyone on base to participate in this exciting event in two ways," said Capt. Nathan Green, project officer for the Soldier Ride and a wounded warrior himself. "Those who wish to ride with the Wounded Warriors on their route from Andrews to Annapolis are welcome to do so. Everyone else can attend the ceremony to send these brave veterans on their way."
Colonel Steven M. Shepro, 316 WG commander, has made the ceremony mandatory for all 316 WG personnel and invited members from all Andrews partner units.
"We are proud to host this event in honor of our brave wounded warriors," Colonel Shepro said. "For most of them, this is their first visit back to Andrews since arriving here from frontlines in need of medical care. All of Team Andrews celebrates their heroic service and courageous ride to recovery."
There will be approximately 30 combat veterans from all branches of the military on the ride. Most of them are currently being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Air Force Tech. Sgts. Adam Popp and Christopher Frost, both explosive ordinance disposal craftsmen who both lost their right legs to improvised explosive devices in Iraq, will be among the riders.
The Soldier Ride will include a short route around the base to highlight other parts of the installation and allow for more Andrews members who aren't able to make it to the ceremony to cheer the riders on.
Those who sign up to ride with the wounded warriors should plan for their own transportation back to base from Annapolis, Captain Green said.
"The ride is about 40 miles one way, so riders and their bikes should be in good condition," he said.
The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. They aim to raise awareness, enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women and to help them aid and assist each other. They also provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured servicemembers.
The Soldier Ride is a rehabilitative cycling program for wounded warriors and an advocacy program for today's wounded warriors. For many of these combat-wounded veterans, Soldier Ride provides the first important step in their return to an active lifestyle.
Captain Green said he has a certain passion for this particular event.
"It also carries a special meaning for me, as I was wounded last year in Iraq," he said. "I would be personally thrilled, honored, and I know it would mean a lot to the wounded warriors, to get max participation from not only the 316 WG, but the entire Andrews Team!"
Team Andrews members can sign up to ride at the West Fitness Center or contact Anthony Alcala at 301-981-7101. Those in the community who wish to ride can sign up through the Wounded Warrior Project at soldierride@woundedwarriorproject.-org. For more information about the Andrews Soldier Ride, go to www.andrews.af.mil/sr.