The Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride Treks To The Hamptons

Returning home from war can be a difficult transition. Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Soldier Ride, presented by USAA, has been a therapeutic outlet for many and the annual event is making its way out to the Hamptons this July.

Participants in last year’s Soldier Ride. (Courtesy Photo)

On Thursday, July 16th, the ride will begin in Manhattan and cyclers will make their way to the Brooklyn Bridge. Following the ride, warriors will be honored for their dedication and bravery during a ceremony at FDNY Headquarters.

On Friday, July 17th, participants will ride through Babylon and on Saturday, July 18th, the warriors will take on the Hamptons. The East End community event will include the Soldier Ride and Amagansett 5K Walk. Participants can register for a 30 or 60-mile ride, or a 5K run in Amagansett, or a 5K run in Sag Harbor.

This year, former Israel Defense Forces soldiers and members of the British Armed Forces, who were wounded during their military service, will join the U.S. soldiers during the ride. Community members can show their support by riding along with the soldiers or by taking part in the 5K walk/run.

Registration and packet pickup begin at 7 a.m. Both the Soldier Ride and Amagansett 5K Walk begin at 9 a.m. A tribute honoring Lance Corporal Jordan C. Haerter will take place in Sag Harbor at 10:30 a.m. Haerter was from Southampton and killed in action on April 22, 2008 in Ramadi, Iraq at the age of 19. Soldier Ride: The Hamptons is dedicated to Lance Corporal Haerter, who along with fellow soldier Corporal Jonathan T. Yale, saved the lives of over 33 Marines and Iraqi Policemen.

The Soldier Ride began in 2004, when civilian Chris Carney cycled more than 5,000 miles coast-to-coast, in support of the Wounded Warrior Project. He repeated his ride the following year, but with a few special guests, several soldiers who were wounded in combat. The Soldier Ride is a physical health and wellness program of WWP, which helps warriors achieve independence and pursue an excellent quality of life.

For more information on the Soldier Ride, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.