The Soldier Ride San Antonio 2011 benefiting the Wounded Warrior Projectâ„¢ (WWP) invites you to join their upcoming ride happening on November 12, 2011 at Palo Alto Community College 1400 W. Villaret Blvd San Antonio, TX 78224
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Kate Davis, Events Manager of Soldier Ride San Antonio 2011 to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
Warriors riding in Soldier Ride Washington, D.C. where they met with President Obama at the White House
Why Join this year’s ride?
This year’s ride in San Antonio is in honor of Navy SEAL Chris Campbell, who on August 6 was killed with 22 SEALs, along with eight Army and Air Force troops, seven Afghan commandos, and a civilian interpreter in Afghanistan. Chris had put in his will that he wanted donations if something were to happen to him to come to Wounded Warrior Project and in his own hand he wrote he wanted to get 100,000 donations. We are working to honor his wishes.
How long has the event been around and how did it start?
Soldier Ride began in 2004 when civilian Chris Carney completed a coast-to-coast bicycle ride in support of Wounded Warrior Project. Carney rode more than 5,000 miles and raised more than $1,000,000. In 2005, Carney again cycled coast-to coast, this time with several combat-wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
In 2007, Soldier Ride went regional with seven rides across the country, and added registered fundraiser rides to the schedule, allowing the general public to ride along with the wounded veterans and help fund programs for Wounded Warrior Project. In 2008, President Bush welcomed the riders to the White House and called Soldier Ride, “The most inspiring athletic event in the country.” In 2009, even more cities were added and the national tour once again kicked-off at the White House with President Obama. More information on Soldier Ride is available at soldierride.org.
What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
The ride benefits Wounded Warrior Project. The mission of the Wounded Warrior Projectâ„¢ (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL.
How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
Funds from Soldier Ride support WWP programming and initiatives (found here: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs.aspx)
How many riders do you assist during the average race?
Hundreds. The goal for 2012 is to have thousands!
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Register to ride alongside a warrior or even just come out to line the roads and support our warriors. Seeing the community support them means a great deal. Register now at soldierride.org!
Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
More than 200 volunteers put together just Soldier Ride San Antonio. There were 12 rides that took place across the U.S. this year, and hundreds and hundreds of people devoted their time toward making this an incredible experience for each community cyclist and each warrior.
What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
This is my first year with Soldier Ride, and there’s already so many memorable experiences. During the Soldier Ride last month in Phoenix, there was a wonderful family moment with two wounded warriors who are brothers: Devin Deven and Erik Schei. They rode a double recumbent bike together as Erik is very severely injured and typically is in a wheelchair.
It was such a joy to see them celebrate life with what they’ve got and to see these brothers overcome their obstacles together. Devin said it’s the first time he could remember that he didn’t have to worry about anything – he could just focus on being with his family.
What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
I’m the Soldier Ride Events Manager, and planned the Soldier Rides in San Antonio, San Diego, Charlotte, Chicago, and Seattle this year, out of the 12 that took place around the country. Next year I’ll plan each of these rides with the invaluable help from our volunteer teams and will also add Phoenix.
Do you ride and if yes, what kind of bicycle do you ride and what is your favorite route in your area?
Yes, I do – I will ride one of the bikes provided by Trek to the Wounded Warrior Project and cycle with the warriors on Soldier Rides. Favorite route in San Antonio is scenic loop starting in Helotes.
Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
It’s a simple cycling event, but it’s so much more to warriors. Seeing the difference in each warrior from the time they arrive to the time you leave is unforgettable.
Thanks Kate Davis for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the Soldier Ride San Antonio 2011
