Support Organization Founders Come Together to Honor Soldier Riders

From the Soldiers' Angels Network blog:

Support organization founders come together to celebrate and honor the heroes of this year's soldier ride.

Pasadena, CA (PRWEB) July 19, 2006 -- Several years ago, three ladies recognized a need to provide support and caring to our brave men and women in the United States Armed Forces. Frankie Mayo of Operation AC, Carolyn Blashek of Operation Gratitude and Patti Patton-Bader of Soldiers’ Angels were among the first to send a little thanks from home over to the troops deployed in support of the War on Terror.

Today, these amazing women are coming together with one voice to welcome and congratulate the brave heroes of Soldier Ride 2006 to their final stop on their journey across the nation. Beginning on May 6th in Montauk, New York and visiting over 70 cities across America, these heroes will end their cross-country ride in San Clemente, California on July 29th.

Also attending this event will be friends and supporters of our brave men and women in uniform from the Patriot Guard Riders the Military Order of the Purple Heart and from Yellow Ribbon America. These groups have planned a special welcome for Soldier Riders as a tribute to their accomplishment and all that they represent.

Each year Soldier Ride sponsors a cross-country cycling event to aid in the rehabilitation of the brave men and women who return home with injuries incurred in the current military conflicts abroad. Participation in our cycling events provides these wounded warriors a foundation for the development of a positive self-image and outlook on life, which in turn speeds the rehabilitation and recovery process.

What an extraordinary group of people and organizations. And meet one of the Soldier Riders here.

Cpl. Kevin Blanchard is a 23 year old retired Marine who lost his left leg and suffered severe wounds to his right leg in an IED explosion while serving in Iraq. Recently retired from the military, Kevin resides in Arlington, Virginia and will be pursuing a business degree at George Washington University this fall. Kevin joined us on the ride from Little Rock to Branson, his second cycling trip with Soldier Ride.