3 Things You May Not Know about Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride
Soldier Ride events are carefully planned to ensure warriors are accommodated no matter where they are in their recoveries from visible and invisible wounds.
By James Herrera – Physical Health and Wellness Director, Wounded Warrior Project
You’ve probably seen it on TV – a group of veterans on bicycles wearing matching gear, as people filling sidewalks wave American flags and cheer as they ride past. What you may not know is that Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Soldier Ride® isn’t just a nice show of appreciation for our nation’s injured veterans; it’s about getting warriors on a long-term path to recovery.
Soldier Ride Is About Healthy Minds and Bodies
Bicycling is not only a challenging physical activity; it can also be a relaxing one. Soldier Ride events are carefully planned to ensure warriors are accommodated no matter where they are in their recoveries from visible and invisible wounds. In a WWP survey of the injured warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.7 percent) talked with fellow veterans to address their mental health issues, and 29.6 percent of survey respondents expressed physical activity helps them cope with stress and emotional concerns.
Soldier Is About Community
For some warriors, Soldier Ride is the first WWP event they will attend. For others, it might even be the first time they venture out of their homes to connect with the community since being wounded. Many warriors face similar challenges with isolation when transitioning to civilian life; it’s one of the most significant struggles they deal with after serving their country. Events like this offer a chance for warriors to bond with one another, learn they are not alone, and rekindle bonds similar to those formed in the military. And people in communities where the rides take place have a chance to see our wounded warriors firsthand and offer whatever support they can.
Soldier Ride is Also about What’s Beyond the Bicycle
During Soldier Ride, warriors will spend three days and 30 to 40 miles on their bicycles, but they’ll also enjoy some incredible experiences off their bicycles. These include a variety of team-building activities where warriors can connect with one another, such as tours of famous local landmarks, sporting events, bowling, kayaking, and physical health and wellness training exercises. WWP also ensures warriors are aware of the support that continues when Soldier Ride comes to an end. Participating riders will learn about WWP’s free, life-saving programs and services that are available to wounded veterans, their caregivers, and their families.
To learn more about Soldier Ride, including how to register, check out the Soldier Ride web page. To learn more about how WWP’s other programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/.
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org.