Kid’s Korner / Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride

 

By Morgan Kidwell

 

On Sunday, January 12, 2014 the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride took place in Key

West.

 

And in case you don’t know what it is, let me tell you.

 

Men and women who fought for our country and were injured get the opportunity to ride bikes and meet others who have gone through the same experiences.

 

 

 

It’s a four day event that started in Miami and ended in Key

West to raise awareness and to encourage people to donate to help them with their injuries.

 

 

I met four amazing Army soldiers who were in the bike ride. It was Cayden’s first ride and he

has had a lot of injuries and is still in treatment. He is still serving after 25 years, and he says

“Key West has been amazing.” It was also Jorge Avalos’ first soldier ride. He is still in

treatment and he thinks it is a great organization, allowing him to get in touch with other soldiers

who have the same injuries so they can talk through it. Audra Edelen enjoyed her first ride and thought the crowd support was inspiring. The project has helped her get a brace for her leg so she can walk and do things better. She is still in the Army after 19 years.

 

 

Wade Mitcheltree had to have both of his legs amputated and one arm was badly hurt. He rode a hand cycle. He finally had to have his arm amputated, too. The Wounded Warrior Project got him back riding again. He is still active after 15½ years. He said the support from Key West has been amazing and a lot of fun. I also met Melissa Howard, who is his Physical Therapist. She helps them get better and helps them learn to ride their bikes.

 

 

Being there and meeting all the soldiers was so inspirational to me. I’m definitely going to go

every year and hope you do, too. Please donate to www.woundedwarriorproject.org. It would mean a lot!

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