Wounded Warrior Project Hosts Soldier Ride Reception

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) hosted a reception at Union Station for wounded veterans and guests from congressional offices, partner military service organizations, and the Department of Defense. Among the invited guests was VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, who delivered the keynote address.

"We can never again in this country go through what we did in the 1970s and what we did to those who bore the battle thousands of miles away in the jungles of southeast Asia," said Wilkie. "Wounded Warrior Project, and many of the dedicated people who are here, have devoted their lives to saying never again will America treat those who have borne freedom on their shoulders the way they were treated so many years ago, and I thank you, Mike and René, for all that you do."

This reception was part of Washington, DC’s  Soldier Ride®, a multi-day cycling event that empowers warriors to overcome physical challenges and discover a sense of community among their fellow riders.

"This year marks the 12th year Washington has hosted our Soldier Ride team, and tonight we have 29 of our nation's warriors with us here in the audience – men and women from every branch of service, many of whom are still recovering at military hospitals throughout our country," said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. "All of these great American patriots are here tonight because they were wounded, injured, or ill as a result of their selfless service in the defense of our country. They are here not because of their injuries; they're here because they refuse to be defined by them. Their individual stories and their perseverance in the face of adversity are profoundly inspiring."

Tomorrow at 10:30 am, those 29 wounded, ill, and injured post-9/11 service members and veterans will visit the White House to be greeted by President Donald Trump. This ceremony in the East Wing is an annual tradition that began in 2008.

Since 2003, WWP has delivered $1.3 billion in programs and services to injured service members, veterans, and their families at no cost to participants. In addition, WWP works with our nation’s leaders to improve the lives of wounded veterans and their families, advocating on their behalf. To learn more, visit https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/. 

About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more: https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.