New York Students Support Soldier Ride to Honor Veterans’ Service

The Honor Their Courage Program Helps Wounded Warrior Project Connect Kids to Military Communities

For many school students, military service may be difficult to comprehend or identify with. But the values of service – courage, honor, loyalty – are important regardless of age or military status.

These values serve as a foundation to unite people and communities to support and empower those who serve.

Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) depends on the passion and commitment of supporters to provide life-changing programs and services to post-9/11 wounded veterans and their families.

Many WWP™ programs work together to improve the overall well-being of warriors and their families, but a New York-area school found a special way to connect two WWP programs that don’t usually cross paths. And, in doing so, managed to brighten the day for all involved.

When Education Meets Action: Connecting Students With Veterans

WWP’s Honor Their Courage program is a nationwide educational fundraising initiative for teachers. The program helps teach students about veterans and inspires them to take an active role in helping wounded veterans build a better future.

Since Honor Their Courage launched in 2020, thousands of students and educators have embraced the program’s resources, lesson plans, and fundraising ideas. Each year, more classrooms participate and think of new and creative ways to show their support.

Kimberley Tierney, a sixth-grade teacher at Tuckahoe Common School District in Long Island, New York, is from a military family. She worked with others at her school to implement the Honor Their Courage program.

“We really focused on the core values that Honor Their Courage put out,” Kimberley said. “It was nice to see [students] take on words like honor and courage, and it’s definitely growing their interest.”

During Veterans Day weekend, students participating in the program took part in a meaningful “field of flags” ceremony, where 180 of them planted flags in the front lawn of the school.

The Honor Their Courage program’s impact didn’t stop at classroom discussions and Veterans Day-related activities, however. Some Tuckahoe students and teachers were eager to take their learning – and participation – further.

While scrolling through social media, Kimberley learned about WWP’s Soldier Ride^® in New York, a multi-day cycling event that builds confidence and camaraderie among warriors. Intrigued by the opportunity, several teachers were eager to volunteer and invite their students despite the event taking place during summer break.

Before school was out, students made cards to give to veterans, including those participating in Soldier Ride. The students who volunteered for the Soldier Ride event were able to give the cards to warriors personally.

“We got a ton of cards back, and it was really great to see them handing the cards out,” Kimberley said. “It was great to hear all the veterans share their experiences and how much the letters meant to them. It was also great for the students to put a face to a veteran and hear their stories. It really just made a great connection.”

For the students, forming a personal connection with a veteran can be transformative, making the concepts of service and sacrifice more relatable.

“The Monday after the Soldier Ride, I remember receiving an email from every single parent saying how amazing the event was,” Kimberley said. “All the students were talking about it, so I really hope we can do it again.”

Find out more about Honor Their Courage.

Building Connections: Soldier Ride Is More Than Bicycling

Since 2004, Soldier Ride has evolved from a rider on a lone mission to support wounded veterans to a nationally recognized event and one of WWP’s most successful programs.

The New York event is one of Soldier Ride’s largest as warriors return to the site of the event’s roots, and travel through the streets of Manhattan, Babylon, and the Hamptons.

To pull off such a feat, the event depends on volunteers who selflessly give their time to support the mission. Two of those longtime volunteers are John Hynan and Joann Pauley, who support the Hamptons portion of the ride. The pair got involved as early as 2005, supporting Chris Carney through making donations to The Stephen Talkhouse. Carney, a Long Island native, started the first Soldier Ride by riding his bike across the country to raise awareness about injured veterans returning from war and support WWP.  As the event has evolved, so have John and Joann’s volunteer efforts. 

“It’s amazing how it’s evolved to what it is today,” John said.

John and Joann also volunteer for the Soldier Ride in the Miami/Florida Keys, and said the reward for them is just seeing how the experience affects the veterans involved.

“You do it once, and you’re hooked,” Joann said about volunteering during Soldier Ride. “It gives us a lot. Even though they think we’re doing so much, it’s really giving us so much.”

This year, when they got a message from the Tuckahoe Common School District wanting to pitch in, they were thrilled. John and Joanne helped coordinate the students’ volunteer efforts. In addition to sharing their hand-written cards, the students handed out water, waved flags, and cheered warriors on. They also spent a little time connecting with the veterans and building personal connections.

“It was so fun. This one was different. It’s great to get a new group that’s so excited involved,” Joann said. “And the warriors were thrilled. They were cherishing these pieces of paper. It added a good dimension to the Soldier Ride to have the kids there.”

The Soldier Ride experience, in addition to working with volunteers like John and Joann, also left a lasting impression on the educators who attended.

“It felt like a big family community event,” Kimberley said. “Everyone was so welcoming and helpful. I was in awe the entire time. I really couldn’t talk. I was just listening and watching. Everything was so inspiring.”

Find out more about Soldier Ride.

The Impact of Support

The combined effort of the schools participating in Honor Their Courage, volunteers like John and Joann, and communities and individuals throughout the country make a huge difference in the lives of wounded warriors and their families.

In addition to fostering gratitude, fundraising projects or volunteering for events like Soldier Ride help bridge the generational gap between veterans and young people.

Interactions like those between the students and warriors at Soldier Ride help create lasting connections between those who serve and the generations they protect. These relationships also ensure we never forget the sacrifice of our nation’s veterans.

“It’s important to explain to [students] that the things we are able to do are because of what our [service members] are doing for us, and that doesn’t always mean in active wartime,” Kimberley said. “There are things they are constantly doing, and to have that courage, honor, and commitment, those are all the core values that I want my students to have whether they go into the military or not. They’re lifelong values they should have and understand.”

Find out how you can support and empower wounded veterans.

Contact: Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910

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 about Wounded Warrior Project.