The Warrior Ride
Warrior Ride helps bring healing to central Pa.
Photo Gallery from the Patriot News
Huffingtonpost.com Posted: 06/20/11 11:00 AM ET
If you knew retired Marine Tom Nugent's story, you might think him unlucky. As a corpsman, Nugent's job was to stabilize the wounded. But Nugent ended up needing the repairs.
He sustained his first injury in a fire fight in Liberia. He had the same problem most young soldiers, airman and seaman have when they get injured early in their careers -- if they become disabled they have to live forever on very low wage disability. So Nugent worked tirelessly to get better and stay in the Marines. In fact, he recovered so well that he was later deployed to the first Iraq war where his UH 46 helicopter got shot out of the sky. This time Nugent's injuries were permanent.
Still injured, Nugent and 26 other wounded warriors cycled about 100 miles around central Pennsylvania this week to remind their country that disabled veterans are still valuable to their communities, their families, and each other.
Nugent belongs to an organization based in Oak Island, North Carolina founded by Bob and Debra Racine. A 501(c)3 non-profit, Team Racine provides all the equipment, travel expenses, and often the motivation for a wounded warrior to ride. In Nugent's case, when he pulled his car over and asked what the cyclists were doing, the Racines hauled a bike out of the trailer, duct taped Nugent's pants leg so that it wouldn't get caught in the derailleur and helped him re-learn to ride a bike.
Team Racine consists of a handful of staff members -- none of whom paid -- including Air Force Staff Sergeant Andy Moore. At work he advises US Army combat commanders on the use of air power. When Moore isn't doing that he's Team Racine's equipment specialist keeping every bike in tip top shape and every wounded warrior outfitted with what they need.
Moore works for free because he'd hate to limit resources when serving the warriors that comes to ride, "Essentially wounded vets can show up to us pretty much naked without a dollar in their pocket and no bike and we'll see that they have everything: attire, protective equipment, a decent hotel, food, everything but alcohol." Andy explained that most of the vets that come to them take such potent prescription combinations that it's unwise to give them additional substances without knowing how it would interact.
And they get results. Since Nugent began cycling with Team Racine he's gotten off 30% of his pills. That's important to Moore because most of their wounded warriors he helps had traumatic brain injuries and Moore fears they're ineligible for transplants, even though the toxic levels of drugs in the blood streams can eventually cause organ failure. Turning to exercise instead of pain killers is one way to postpone need the transplant that they'd never get.
Sergeant Major Bernie Fuller rode with the warriors the same day I did. A master fitness trainer about to retire he wants to get involved, "Injuries shouldn't stop you. I should say pain shouldn't stop you. You've got to keep the squeaky hinge going." Fuller thinks these guys -- many without a limbs or the use of limbs -- engaging in physical activity together is equally important, "This is like a band of brothers and when you come to the end of your rope or retire in the military, it's about what you liked about the military. It's about esprit de corps and unity."
Retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bob Racine learned this for himself by getting involved in another of the many wounded warrior projects in the country. When he and his wife, Debra, spun Team Racine off from one of the other groups he wanted to "rehabilitate people physically and emotionally."
And that's just what former Black Hawk Pilot Retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Skip deGaray knows they are doing. DeGaray has spent more than a decade recovering from the loss of one leg and crushing damage to the other and now flies civilian air ambulance missions. DeGary believes his role as a wounded warrior is helping the "newly disabled get back into life." He remembers that going from bedridden amputee to member of society isn't easy. "You're a young buck living on the edge... I never thought there was an in between. I thought there was dead or alive." It's this in between that deGaray struggled to accept. It's not just learning to walk with a prosthetic, it's "when you don't look normal, when adults pull their kids back, society's not made for handicaps."
If you're a wounded warrior and want to learn about joining Team Racine, or if you'd like to contribute or you community can host a ride check out their website: TheWarriorRide.org/index.html
Pat LaMarche Vice President of Community Affairs at Safe Harbour, Inc.
He sustained his first injury in a fire fight in Liberia. He had the same problem most young soldiers, airman and seaman have when they get injured early in their careers -- if they become disabled they have to live forever on very low wage disability. So Nugent worked tirelessly to get better and stay in the Marines. In fact, he recovered so well that he was later deployed to the first Iraq war where his UH 46 helicopter got shot out of the sky. This time Nugent's injuries were permanent.
Still injured, Nugent and 26 other wounded warriors cycled about 100 miles around central Pennsylvania this week to remind their country that disabled veterans are still valuable to their communities, their families, and each other.
Nugent belongs to an organization based in Oak Island, North Carolina founded by Bob and Debra Racine. A 501(c)3 non-profit, Team Racine provides all the equipment, travel expenses, and often the motivation for a wounded warrior to ride. In Nugent's case, when he pulled his car over and asked what the cyclists were doing, the Racines hauled a bike out of the trailer, duct taped Nugent's pants leg so that it wouldn't get caught in the derailleur and helped him re-learn to ride a bike.
Team Racine consists of a handful of staff members -- none of whom paid -- including Air Force Staff Sergeant Andy Moore. At work he advises US Army combat commanders on the use of air power. When Moore isn't doing that he's Team Racine's equipment specialist keeping every bike in tip top shape and every wounded warrior outfitted with what they need.
Moore works for free because he'd hate to limit resources when serving the warriors that comes to ride, "Essentially wounded vets can show up to us pretty much naked without a dollar in their pocket and no bike and we'll see that they have everything: attire, protective equipment, a decent hotel, food, everything but alcohol." Andy explained that most of the vets that come to them take such potent prescription combinations that it's unwise to give them additional substances without knowing how it would interact.
And they get results. Since Nugent began cycling with Team Racine he's gotten off 30% of his pills. That's important to Moore because most of their wounded warriors he helps had traumatic brain injuries and Moore fears they're ineligible for transplants, even though the toxic levels of drugs in the blood streams can eventually cause organ failure. Turning to exercise instead of pain killers is one way to postpone need the transplant that they'd never get.
Sergeant Major Bernie Fuller rode with the warriors the same day I did. A master fitness trainer about to retire he wants to get involved, "Injuries shouldn't stop you. I should say pain shouldn't stop you. You've got to keep the squeaky hinge going." Fuller thinks these guys -- many without a limbs or the use of limbs -- engaging in physical activity together is equally important, "This is like a band of brothers and when you come to the end of your rope or retire in the military, it's about what you liked about the military. It's about esprit de corps and unity."
Retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bob Racine learned this for himself by getting involved in another of the many wounded warrior projects in the country. When he and his wife, Debra, spun Team Racine off from one of the other groups he wanted to "rehabilitate people physically and emotionally."
And that's just what former Black Hawk Pilot Retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Skip deGaray knows they are doing. DeGaray has spent more than a decade recovering from the loss of one leg and crushing damage to the other and now flies civilian air ambulance missions. DeGary believes his role as a wounded warrior is helping the "newly disabled get back into life." He remembers that going from bedridden amputee to member of society isn't easy. "You're a young buck living on the edge... I never thought there was an in between. I thought there was dead or alive." It's this in between that deGaray struggled to accept. It's not just learning to walk with a prosthetic, it's "when you don't look normal, when adults pull their kids back, society's not made for handicaps."
If you're a wounded warrior and want to learn about joining Team Racine, or if you'd like to contribute or you community can host a ride check out their website: TheWarriorRide.org/index.html
Pat LaMarche Vice President of Community Affairs at Safe Harbour, Inc.
The Sentinel www.cumberlink.com
Hampton Roads News
Warrior Ride in Norfolk and Chesapeake
The Flagship
The Warrior Ride gives wounded service members a testament to their sacrifices
News 14.com
WECT News 6
StarNewsOnline.com
WWAY News Channel 3 - Wilmington NC News
WECT TV6 - WECT.com - Wilmington NC News and Weather
The State Port Pilot
News14.com
News14.com
StatePortPilot.com
State Port Pilot Editorial: Don't Let the Warrior Ride pass you by
The three-day adaptive bicycling event brings tears, hugs and a sight of courage seldom seen. We’ve heard testimonials directly from Warrior Riders each year about how the event seems to strip away all senses of handicap, despite the fact that some of the riders make the 30-mile-plus per-day journeys without seemingly necessary limbs.
Truly, it is a moving event.
Coordinators Bob and Debra Racine deserve gold stars for their efforts these past five years to pull the Warrior Ride together. They do it not for profit—they volunteer—but to make sure these wounded soldiers know they’re care for, and so they know what they’re able to achieve.
This week, rider Ron Mayfield told us his head injury—a bullet was the cause—made him believe the good life was over. The man couldn’t even speak as he tried to restore himself in the hospital. But impressing himself and inspiring all around him, he has steered his recumbent in cycling events for the past five years and declares the Warrior Ride experience has changed him fully.
All proceeds from the event go to the participating soldiers and their families, and registration is still wide open for the October 9 community ride/walk through Oak Island.
Visit http://thewarriorride.com to sign up, donate or simply learn more.
Show your face at the event (see the schedule in this weeks’ edition), thank a soldier and leave impressed, if not forever changed.
Truly, it is a moving event.
Coordinators Bob and Debra Racine deserve gold stars for their efforts these past five years to pull the Warrior Ride together. They do it not for profit—they volunteer—but to make sure these wounded soldiers know they’re care for, and so they know what they’re able to achieve.
This week, rider Ron Mayfield told us his head injury—a bullet was the cause—made him believe the good life was over. The man couldn’t even speak as he tried to restore himself in the hospital. But impressing himself and inspiring all around him, he has steered his recumbent in cycling events for the past five years and declares the Warrior Ride experience has changed him fully.
All proceeds from the event go to the participating soldiers and their families, and registration is still wide open for the October 9 community ride/walk through Oak Island.
Visit http://thewarriorride.com to sign up, donate or simply learn more.
Show your face at the event (see the schedule in this weeks’ edition), thank a soldier and leave impressed, if not forever changed.
Wounded soldiers to go big with 5th annual ride
By Ben Brown
Staff Writer
As if it’s not enough to coordinate one of the most unique and spirited cycling events around, Bob and Debra Racine say this year’s Warrior Ride will be the biggest one yet.
Each fall since 2005, the Racines of Oak Island have led a team of combat-wounded soldiers on specially designed bicycles and three-wheeled recumbents through a cheering corridor of supporters in southeastern North Carolina.
The object is awareness and fundraising for these “wounded warriors” and their families, but, for the Racines, the reward each year is watching the participants pedal past their disabilities. The rides can run 30-40 miles per day, for some by way of bikes cranked by hand as battle injuries include lost or permanently damaged limbs.
“There’s nothing like working for our hurt guys,” Bob Racine said. “And the support every year has been amazing.
“This one will be the biggest ride of wounded warriors since we started doing this,” he continued. The Racines expect around 30 soldiers mostly from Ft. Bragg and Camp Lejeune, though the ride’s final day will be open to “everyone.”
The event will kick off October 7 at Holly Ridge with a ride to Carolina Beach. On October 8, the pack will hop the ferry from Ft. Fisher and visit Southport’s Waterfront Park before a ride to Winding River Plantation.
The finale comes October 9 with an all-invited community bike ride and walk at Oak Island. Registrants may choose from a 43-mile ride, a 23-mile ride or a 5-mile walk down Oak Island’s strand.
In the meantime, the Racines are out and about, collecting support for the Warrior Ride.
As in the past, the soldiers’ food and lodging will not cost them a cent, but they bank on support from the community. Bob Racine said he’s spoken with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and every area police department for ride escorts, but outstanding needs include a passenger van or two, some hotel rooms for the riders and donations to cover the costs of the bikes.
“The Good Lord’s on our side,” Bob Racine said of the effort so far. “Things are happening.”
Bob Racine entered the U.S. Marines in 1961 before a transfer in 1972 to the U.S. Army, in which he was a founding member of Delta Force, the military’s most elite counter-terrorism unit. His duty took him through such notable events in history as the 1978 Jonestown massacre response, the 1980 Iran hostage crisis and the 1989 removal of Manuel Noriega from power in Panama.
He and his wife have supported wounded soldiers through various ride-themed charities over the years, but this year they’re operating as an independent nonprofit that will donate 100-percent of the funds raised to the soldiers and their families.
Persons may make donations by check payable to Warrior Ride 2010, mailed to Team Racine Ride Coordinators, 1401 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, N.C. 28465.
For more information, persons may visit http://thewarriorride.com or call the Racines at 278-4612 or 616-6977.
Staff Writer
As if it’s not enough to coordinate one of the most unique and spirited cycling events around, Bob and Debra Racine say this year’s Warrior Ride will be the biggest one yet.
Each fall since 2005, the Racines of Oak Island have led a team of combat-wounded soldiers on specially designed bicycles and three-wheeled recumbents through a cheering corridor of supporters in southeastern North Carolina.
The object is awareness and fundraising for these “wounded warriors” and their families, but, for the Racines, the reward each year is watching the participants pedal past their disabilities. The rides can run 30-40 miles per day, for some by way of bikes cranked by hand as battle injuries include lost or permanently damaged limbs.
“There’s nothing like working for our hurt guys,” Bob Racine said. “And the support every year has been amazing.
“This one will be the biggest ride of wounded warriors since we started doing this,” he continued. The Racines expect around 30 soldiers mostly from Ft. Bragg and Camp Lejeune, though the ride’s final day will be open to “everyone.”
The event will kick off October 7 at Holly Ridge with a ride to Carolina Beach. On October 8, the pack will hop the ferry from Ft. Fisher and visit Southport’s Waterfront Park before a ride to Winding River Plantation.
The finale comes October 9 with an all-invited community bike ride and walk at Oak Island. Registrants may choose from a 43-mile ride, a 23-mile ride or a 5-mile walk down Oak Island’s strand.
In the meantime, the Racines are out and about, collecting support for the Warrior Ride.
As in the past, the soldiers’ food and lodging will not cost them a cent, but they bank on support from the community. Bob Racine said he’s spoken with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and every area police department for ride escorts, but outstanding needs include a passenger van or two, some hotel rooms for the riders and donations to cover the costs of the bikes.
“The Good Lord’s on our side,” Bob Racine said of the effort so far. “Things are happening.”
Bob Racine entered the U.S. Marines in 1961 before a transfer in 1972 to the U.S. Army, in which he was a founding member of Delta Force, the military’s most elite counter-terrorism unit. His duty took him through such notable events in history as the 1978 Jonestown massacre response, the 1980 Iran hostage crisis and the 1989 removal of Manuel Noriega from power in Panama.
He and his wife have supported wounded soldiers through various ride-themed charities over the years, but this year they’re operating as an independent nonprofit that will donate 100-percent of the funds raised to the soldiers and their families.
Persons may make donations by check payable to Warrior Ride 2010, mailed to Team Racine Ride Coordinators, 1401 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, N.C. 28465.
For more information, persons may visit http://thewarriorride.com or call the Racines at 278-4612 or 616-6977.
State Port Pilot: Oak Island Quilters warm wounded warriors
09.22.10 edition
By Ben Brown
Staff Writer
When a group of combat-injured soldiers arrives this October for a fundraising bike ride, a group of Oak Island quilters will warm them with their talents.
It has become tradition, the Oak Island Beach Quilters say, "to present a comfort quilt to a soldier injured in the line of duty."
Roughly 30 retired or active duty soldiers, some missing limbs, others with less-visible but handicapping injuries, will embark on the 2010 Warrior Ride October 7-9, ending with an all-invited community bike ride through Oak Island. The riders’ shared goal is to raise awareness for the locally headquartered Warrior Ride charity that benefits wounded soldiers and their families.
"Many of the Oak Island Beach Quilters have a spouse, children or grandchildren who are either retired or active military," that group wrote in a release. "At the (October 9) opening ceremonies of this year’s Warrior Ride on Oak Island, the soldiers participating, who represent the five branches of our armed services, will be receiving a Celebration Quilt."
The presentation will take place around 9:30 a.m. October 9 at the SE 46th Street soccer fields, at Middleton Park, on Oak Island.
“This group has been working on these quilts for the last year,” Warrior Ride coordinator Debra Racine said, adding that Oak Island resident Kathi Culler designed them for numerous local quilters to sew. “There are special ones for the female soldiers and a very special tactile quilt for our blind participant,” Racine said. “What can you even say to the thoughtfulness and love they are giving?”
Last year’s ride was a fest of hugs, smiles and tears—and quilts, as Oak Island Beach Quilters offered their best that time as well. But Racine said the group stepped it up this time around as the 2010 Warrior Ride will have the greatest participation of any of the past five annuals.
The event will kick off October 7 at Holly Ridge with a ride to Carolina Beach. On October 8, the pack will hop the ferry from Ft. Fisher and visit Southport’s Waterfront Park before a ride to Winding River Plantation.
The finale comes October 9 with an all-invited community bike ride and walk at Oak Island. Registrants may choose from a 43-mile ride, a 23-mile ride or a 5-mile walk down Oak Island’s strand.
Registration for the October 9 ride will begin 7:30 a.m. The ride will kick off at 10 following the opening ceremony one half-hour prior.
For more information, registration costs or to contribute to the cause,persons may visit http://thewarriorride.com or call Bob and Debra Racine at 278-4612 or 616-6977.
By Ben Brown
Staff Writer
When a group of combat-injured soldiers arrives this October for a fundraising bike ride, a group of Oak Island quilters will warm them with their talents.
It has become tradition, the Oak Island Beach Quilters say, "to present a comfort quilt to a soldier injured in the line of duty."
Roughly 30 retired or active duty soldiers, some missing limbs, others with less-visible but handicapping injuries, will embark on the 2010 Warrior Ride October 7-9, ending with an all-invited community bike ride through Oak Island. The riders’ shared goal is to raise awareness for the locally headquartered Warrior Ride charity that benefits wounded soldiers and their families.
"Many of the Oak Island Beach Quilters have a spouse, children or grandchildren who are either retired or active military," that group wrote in a release. "At the (October 9) opening ceremonies of this year’s Warrior Ride on Oak Island, the soldiers participating, who represent the five branches of our armed services, will be receiving a Celebration Quilt."
The presentation will take place around 9:30 a.m. October 9 at the SE 46th Street soccer fields, at Middleton Park, on Oak Island.
“This group has been working on these quilts for the last year,” Warrior Ride coordinator Debra Racine said, adding that Oak Island resident Kathi Culler designed them for numerous local quilters to sew. “There are special ones for the female soldiers and a very special tactile quilt for our blind participant,” Racine said. “What can you even say to the thoughtfulness and love they are giving?”
Last year’s ride was a fest of hugs, smiles and tears—and quilts, as Oak Island Beach Quilters offered their best that time as well. But Racine said the group stepped it up this time around as the 2010 Warrior Ride will have the greatest participation of any of the past five annuals.
The event will kick off October 7 at Holly Ridge with a ride to Carolina Beach. On October 8, the pack will hop the ferry from Ft. Fisher and visit Southport’s Waterfront Park before a ride to Winding River Plantation.
The finale comes October 9 with an all-invited community bike ride and walk at Oak Island. Registrants may choose from a 43-mile ride, a 23-mile ride or a 5-mile walk down Oak Island’s strand.
Registration for the October 9 ride will begin 7:30 a.m. The ride will kick off at 10 following the opening ceremony one half-hour prior.
For more information, registration costs or to contribute to the cause,persons may visit http://thewarriorride.com or call Bob and Debra Racine at 278-4612 or 616-6977.
"The bike has made me open my eyes"
Warrior Ride rolls Thursday-Saturday
10.6.10 edition
By Ben Brown
Staff Writer
After the first Gulf War, U.S. Navy senior chief Ron Mayfield took a bullet to the head, and the following year of slow rehabilitation in the hospital, he felt, stole all the possibility of an active, exuberant lifestyle.
“It was denial,” he said with a laugh.
Tuesday afternoon Mayfield grinned over the just-delivered box of new cycling jerseys he and around 25 other injured military members will wear Thursday-Saturday during the 2010 Warrior Ride, an annual adaptive-cycling event that rolls through southeastern North Carolina and concludes in Brunswick County.
The event will kick off October 7 at Holly Ridge with a ride to Carolina Beach. On October 8, the pack will hop the ferry from Ft. Fisher and visit Southport’s Waterfront Park before a ride to Winding River Plantation.
The finale comes October 9 with an all-invited community bike ride and walk at Oak Island. Registrants may choose from a 43-mile ride, a 23-mile ride or a 5-mile walk down Oak Island’s strand.
Mayfield has participated in these adaptive cycling events for the past five years, crediting them and coordinators Bob and Debra Racine for his back-to-life rehabilitation.
“My life has changed 100-percent,” he said.
The Warrior Ride’s object is awareness and fundraising for these “wounded warriors” and their families, but, for the Racines, the reward each year is watching the participants pedal past their disabilities. The rides can run 30-40 miles per day, for some by way of bikes cranked by hand as battle injuries include lost or permanently damaged limbs.
After building his strength on a three-wheeled recumbent, Mayfield, who at first couldn’t even speak following his injury, now laughs with friends, enjoys camping and occasionally skis.
“The bike has made me open my eyes,” he said firmly.
This year’s Warrior Ride will include riders from all branches of the military and, by the Racines’ account, will be the biggest ride they’ve ever done.
For more information or registration for the community ride, persons may visit http://thewarriorride.com.
By Ben Brown
Staff Writer
After the first Gulf War, U.S. Navy senior chief Ron Mayfield took a bullet to the head, and the following year of slow rehabilitation in the hospital, he felt, stole all the possibility of an active, exuberant lifestyle.
“It was denial,” he said with a laugh.
Tuesday afternoon Mayfield grinned over the just-delivered box of new cycling jerseys he and around 25 other injured military members will wear Thursday-Saturday during the 2010 Warrior Ride, an annual adaptive-cycling event that rolls through southeastern North Carolina and concludes in Brunswick County.
The event will kick off October 7 at Holly Ridge with a ride to Carolina Beach. On October 8, the pack will hop the ferry from Ft. Fisher and visit Southport’s Waterfront Park before a ride to Winding River Plantation.
The finale comes October 9 with an all-invited community bike ride and walk at Oak Island. Registrants may choose from a 43-mile ride, a 23-mile ride or a 5-mile walk down Oak Island’s strand.
Mayfield has participated in these adaptive cycling events for the past five years, crediting them and coordinators Bob and Debra Racine for his back-to-life rehabilitation.
“My life has changed 100-percent,” he said.
The Warrior Ride’s object is awareness and fundraising for these “wounded warriors” and their families, but, for the Racines, the reward each year is watching the participants pedal past their disabilities. The rides can run 30-40 miles per day, for some by way of bikes cranked by hand as battle injuries include lost or permanently damaged limbs.
After building his strength on a three-wheeled recumbent, Mayfield, who at first couldn’t even speak following his injury, now laughs with friends, enjoys camping and occasionally skis.
“The bike has made me open my eyes,” he said firmly.
This year’s Warrior Ride will include riders from all branches of the military and, by the Racines’ account, will be the biggest ride they’ve ever done.
For more information or registration for the community ride, persons may visit http://thewarriorride.com.
Warrior Ride heals without sympathy
10.13.10 edition
By Ben Brown
Staff Writer
They’re not asking for your sympathy.
As far as U.S. Air Force staff Sgt. Andy Moore is concerned, the combat-injured participants in the 2010 Warrior Ride are “still the same strong people they were when they started” their military careers.
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joe Perez, for one, suffered head and spinal injuries during his service and also sports an apparatus around his knee. But he’s participated in rehabilitative cycling events nationwide that can cover 40-or-more miles in a day.
In all, more than 30 wounded soldiers rode alongside roughly 80 area residents in this past weekend’s Warrior Ride, an adaptive cycling event run by an Oak Island charity of the same name supporting injured military and their families.
“It’s all about giving these guys the means to prove they’re still soldiers,” Moore said Monday. “The bikes are a facilitator.”
This past weekend’s event, which started in New Hanover County Thursday and pedaled into Brunswick County Friday morning before the big community ride through Oak Island Saturday, was the fifth annual. Perez, a Warrior Ride veteran who muscles a specialized three-wheeled, hand-powered recumbent, said these rides have been “critical to (his) recovery.” Not only do they allow injured soldiers to prove their strength, he said, they also show them beautiful sights they’ve fought to protect.
“I mean, look at this place,” Perez said during an appreciation ceremony at Southport’s Waterfront Park Friday morning. “This is the part of America that we fought to enjoy. So this is a chance for these guys to live the American dream.”
Camaraderie was all around, the soldiers joking with one another, accepting handshakes and hugs from residents and, as Perez pointed out, generally “being treated like movie stars.”
Retired U.S. Navy senior chief Ron Mayfield said that treatment holds the medicinal properties that allowed severely injured soldiers like him to return to life. Mayfield credits Warrior Rides with his rehabilitation following the year he spent in the hospital learning to speak again after a bullet hit his skull.
Still, no sympathy needed, said Moore, who rode along as support staff. “There’s not a one of us here who pities. These men and women have done their job to protect the county. This ride is here to re-empower them.”
Plus, Warrior Rides have made cycling enthusiasts of soldiers who never before had any interest. Injured U.S. Army intelligence specialist Gerald Gargulis, who rode with the group in Brunswick County, could’ve cared less about the bike in the past but has grown to love riding through similar soldier-supporting charities around the country. Following the Warrior Ride, he said he would head to Florida for another round of pedal pushing.
“It was extremely awesome,” Warrior Ride head Bob Racine said of the event, adding the volunteer support was “out of this world.”
The Town of Caswell Beach, for one, threw a beach party for the riders Friday night, while in-kind and cash donations were heavy from numerous other private and public sources.
The weather was also generous, with cloudless skies and not-to-hot sun rays pouring down, riders said. That was nice, Moore said, but ultimately it didn’t matter.
“We’d be out there rain or shine, sleet or snow,” he said.
For more on the Warrior Ride, persons may visit http://thewarriorride.com.
By Ben Brown
Staff Writer
They’re not asking for your sympathy.
As far as U.S. Air Force staff Sgt. Andy Moore is concerned, the combat-injured participants in the 2010 Warrior Ride are “still the same strong people they were when they started” their military careers.
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joe Perez, for one, suffered head and spinal injuries during his service and also sports an apparatus around his knee. But he’s participated in rehabilitative cycling events nationwide that can cover 40-or-more miles in a day.
In all, more than 30 wounded soldiers rode alongside roughly 80 area residents in this past weekend’s Warrior Ride, an adaptive cycling event run by an Oak Island charity of the same name supporting injured military and their families.
“It’s all about giving these guys the means to prove they’re still soldiers,” Moore said Monday. “The bikes are a facilitator.”
This past weekend’s event, which started in New Hanover County Thursday and pedaled into Brunswick County Friday morning before the big community ride through Oak Island Saturday, was the fifth annual. Perez, a Warrior Ride veteran who muscles a specialized three-wheeled, hand-powered recumbent, said these rides have been “critical to (his) recovery.” Not only do they allow injured soldiers to prove their strength, he said, they also show them beautiful sights they’ve fought to protect.
“I mean, look at this place,” Perez said during an appreciation ceremony at Southport’s Waterfront Park Friday morning. “This is the part of America that we fought to enjoy. So this is a chance for these guys to live the American dream.”
Camaraderie was all around, the soldiers joking with one another, accepting handshakes and hugs from residents and, as Perez pointed out, generally “being treated like movie stars.”
Retired U.S. Navy senior chief Ron Mayfield said that treatment holds the medicinal properties that allowed severely injured soldiers like him to return to life. Mayfield credits Warrior Rides with his rehabilitation following the year he spent in the hospital learning to speak again after a bullet hit his skull.
Still, no sympathy needed, said Moore, who rode along as support staff. “There’s not a one of us here who pities. These men and women have done their job to protect the county. This ride is here to re-empower them.”
Plus, Warrior Rides have made cycling enthusiasts of soldiers who never before had any interest. Injured U.S. Army intelligence specialist Gerald Gargulis, who rode with the group in Brunswick County, could’ve cared less about the bike in the past but has grown to love riding through similar soldier-supporting charities around the country. Following the Warrior Ride, he said he would head to Florida for another round of pedal pushing.
“It was extremely awesome,” Warrior Ride head Bob Racine said of the event, adding the volunteer support was “out of this world.”
The Town of Caswell Beach, for one, threw a beach party for the riders Friday night, while in-kind and cash donations were heavy from numerous other private and public sources.
The weather was also generous, with cloudless skies and not-to-hot sun rays pouring down, riders said. That was nice, Moore said, but ultimately it didn’t matter.
“We’d be out there rain or shine, sleet or snow,” he said.
For more on the Warrior Ride, persons may visit http://thewarriorride.com.
