Soldier Ride passes through Ridge

On Thursday, July 17, a long line of cyclists made their way along Fourth Avenue, heading to Fort Hamilton Army Base.The riders were part of the annual Soldier Ride, held from July 15 to 20, which is sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) to honor “the camaraderie, wellness and physical wellness,” that these men have, as they fight to overcome the obstacles they still face in their daily lives. The ride began in Manhattan on the 17th, with the warriors being honored at FDNY headquarters for their bravery and dedication, after which they biked over the Brooklyn Bridge. They would then go to Babylon Town Hall and bike with WWP alumni to Overlook beach in Long Island the next day, and then on the July 19 bike through the Hamptons.The soldier ride started in 2004, when civilian Chris Carney cycled more than 5,000 miles to raise support for the WWP. He did again the next year along with veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan which was then endorsed by President Bush in 2008, and later by President Obama. “The camaraderie of riding with other veterans helps the healing process, and lets us know we’re not alone,” said Jason Brasse, a Wounded Warrior Project alumnus who was severely injured by a roadside bomb exploded in Iraq. The WWP created this event to ensure these injured soldiers receive the help they deserve, and through health, nutrition, and recreational activities have independence and live high quality of life. Those who rode with the warriors in the Hamptons paid a $75 donation to the organization, with those who donated $250 receiving a special Wounded Warrior Project license plate cover.

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