“Warrior Ride 2010 was an awesome event. Last year was SMSgt Rainier (Ray) Schroeder’s first adaptive bicycle ride. It was a challenge for him to participate in that event due to some of his disabilities. He never expected to experience such a sense of pride, to be a part of an honored group of wounded comrades and build new
friendships. He was overwhelmed with gratitude for the recognition from the community and had a great feeling of accomplishment at the end of each day. Last year’s ride was a life-altering motivator that sparked an interest in adaptive bicycling and gave Ray the incentive to live a more active lifestyle. In this year’s event Ray came back stronger with a positive attitude and the change was noticed. This ride was equally rewarding and Ray values the friendships he has developed along the way. I hold “The Warrior Ride”, its loving staff and all the courageous wounded warriors in my heart for giving Ray an optimistic outlook on life and making an event like this possible.” Anna Maria Schroeder

On opening day of hunting season, 1996, in Sussex County Virginia Ronald Mayfield was accidentally shot in the head by another hunter.  Three pellets became lodged in his brain.  Because he was shot on the left side of his brain,  it caused severe weakness on his right side as well as speech impairment.  Ron spent 11 years in recovery, having to learn how to speak and walk all over again. 

In the fall of 2008, Ron attended his first cycling event.   He was shy and had trouble cycling but was excited to meet other warriors he could connect with.  Now, in 2011, Ronald is truly a mentor for our new riders.  His speech has improved ten fold, he's one of our strongest cyclists.  He is even organizing Warrior Rides in Virginia and is the Adaptive Sports Coordinator for the Warrior Ride.  "God is good, thank you to my family and especially my wife Susan." Ronald Mayfield.