Ride for America’s Patriots Honors Wounded Troops
1,136 mile journey takes off in nation’s capital and heads to Coalition to Salute
America’s Heroes headquarters in NY
Ossining, NY – May 15, 2007 - Two years ago, wounded soldier and spokesman for the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes (CSAH), J.R. Martinez, spoke to an audience in rlando, FL. Three DC-area RE/MAX Premier agents attending the convention, inspired by his story and mission to help his fellow wounded service members, sought him in the uditorium after his speech. As they were leaving, J.R. gave each of them a coin from his unit – a sign of brotherhood – and told them, “If you’re ever in San Antonio, look me up.” This offer sparked a national event to raise awareness and funds for severely wounded troops and their families.
On May 20, 2007, Tom Donegan, Mike Loxtercamp, Bob Loy and Joe Kurnos will take off from the nation’s capital on their motorcycles and head to Fort Drum, stopping at the SAH headquarters in Ossining, NY on the “Second Annual Ride for America’s Patriots”. The rolling tribute will raise awareness and funds for CSAH, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to rebuilding the lives of severely wounded War on Terror veterans and their families.
Each rider has pledged $5,000 for the cause and encourages other riders to join them on the journey north or to donate to the cause at www.rideforamericaspatriots.org.
“There are so many people, veterans and their families, whose lives have been changed forever because of their injuries from defending our freedom and our way of life. We annot forget them. We have to recognize them for what they are: America’s heroes, “says Tom Donegan, organizer of the Ride. “Through the Ride for America’s Patriots we intend to show our appreciation and encourage others to join us on the Ride or step up to help our heroes by making a donation.”
For many severely wounded and disabled men and women that fought for freedom in the War on Terror, they must now fight to survive at home due to a lack of short term financial and longer term emotional assistance. CSAH is one of the top nongovernmental organizations that provides severely injured and disabled veterans with the assistance they need to get back on their feet. CSAH programs offer emergency financial aid, home renovations, career training, and access to top resources that are key in the recovery process.
Joe Kurnos, another Rider says, “Many of the men and women who are wounded while serving our country are mentally or physically changed for the rest of their lives. Daily routines that we take for granted are difficult or nor longer possible for these people, yet they still take on life's challenges and win. This ride is my small way of trying to raise awareness and support for these brave Americans.”
The Ride for America’s Patriots begins in Washington, DC at 8:30 AM on May 20, 2007. The Ride will depart the RE/MAX Premier office parking lot, 13135 Lee Jackson Highway, Fairfax, VA and head west on Rt. 50, north on Rt. 15 to Harrisonburg, PA. The riders will then tak I-81 north, 1-78 east and connect to I-287 in New Jersey. After a hort diversion south on Rt. 17 to Paramus, NJ, the riders will meet with the PGR Riders at the Fireplace Restaurant (on the corner of Rt. 17 and East Ridgewood Ave. in Paramus) and proceed north until they reach the CSAH headquarters on May 20 between 4:30 and 5:00 PM EST.
Last year’s ride, they started in DC and drove to meet J.R. near his home in San Antonio. This year, J.R. Martinez will meet them in New York.
Ninety percent all the money raised goes to CSAH and 10% goes to the 10th Mountain Division Association Scholarship Fund. To donate, or for more information on the Ride or America’s Patriots, visit www.rideforamericaspatriots.com.
More information on CSAH can be found at www.saluteheroes.org.
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