Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride Honors Veterans in Nation’s Capital

Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) recently brought a group of wounded veterans and active-duty service members to the nation’s capital for the nonprofit’s annual Soldier Ride^® DC event.

Soldier Ride is a multi-day adaptive cycling event that empowers wounded warriors by building camaraderie and confidence through movement. The program equips warriors to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of cycling and an active lifestyle for years to come.

Veterans have cycled the DC area as part of Soldier Ride since 2008. In April 2025, more than 25 warriors, including ones from Brooke Army Medical Center and Walter Reed Military Medical Center, cycled through downtown Annapolis and the U.S. Naval Academy, as well as northern Virginia. The group also spent a day in the nation’s Capital, where they enjoyed a tour of its iconic monuments and memorials, including the World War II Memorial and Washington Monument.

“Soldier Ride is more than a cycling event – it’s a powerful reminder that wounded warriors are not alone in their recovery,” WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walt Piatt said. “America must never forget the cost of freedom. Events like Soldier Ride honor veterans and ensure their lifelong needs remain a national priority.”

Pedaling Through Recovery

For Army veteran John Rego – one of the warriors who participated in Soldier Ride DC – service meant sacrifice from the very start. He enlisted just days before 9/11, later deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army Ranger. In 2003, John was trapped in a building collapse during a battle, buried alive, and clinically dead – twice – before his team revived him. He spent months recovering from severe injuries to his arm, pelvis, ribs, and internal organs, but the hardest battle came after — adjusting to life beyond the military.

John found WWP at a pivotal moment, first through a simple invite to an event, then through fitness, nutrition, and wellness programs that helped him reclaim his health. Now, as a mentor to fellow warriors, John rode in Soldier Ride DC to prove that recovery is always possible.

"For a long time after my injuries, I felt lost—like I’d never get back to the person I used to be,” John said. “Wounded Warrior Project and Soldier Ride helped me realize that moving forward isn’t about being who you were, but about becoming the best version of who you are now. Riding alongside my fellow warriors reminds me that recovery is possible, that we are never alone, and that our strength comes from the challenges we’ve overcome together."

Watch WWP's Soldier Ride in action and learn more about the program.

Helping Veterans Heal Together

Since 2004, Soldier Ride has been a life-changing experience for wounded veterans, helping them build confidence, connect with fellow warriors, and improve their overall well-being. Events take place across the country each year and empower warriors to navigate the mental and physical challenges of recovery and reduce suicide risk.

Enhancing their quality of life is critical, as new WWP data shows that 77% of post-9/11 warriors experience PTSD and a similar number experience depression, while 1 in 4 has had suicidal thoughts in the past year. Programs like Soldier Ride help address these challenges by combating isolation and building new bonds between warriors. Many times, warriors enjoy the mental and physical benefits of cycling for years to come – as warriors who adopt healthier habits see improvements in chronic conditions and their mental wellness.

Contact: Julian Routh, Public Relations, jrouth@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.544.0195

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.