Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) 2012 Soldier Ride comes to Phoenix Oct. 18-21.

http://www.sonorannews.com/archives/2012/121017/comm-wounded-warrior.html

Wounded Warriors to cycle through Phoenix Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride Helps Veterans Heal

PHOENIX –  A cycling event to help Wounded Warriors restore their physical and emotional well-being, Soldier Ride also gives the Phoenix community an opportunity to aid in the emotional recovery of their local warriors by supporting these men and women.

"Each Soldier Ride, the Warriors leave with a sense of camaraderie that is genuinely inspiring to see," said Dan Schnock director, Soldier Ride, Wounded Warrior Project. "For these Warriors, meeting others that know exactly what they are going through and seeing the community come out and wave flags in the street as they cycle past gives them a sense that their current struggles are understood and appreciated."

Warriors of all ability levels participate in Soldier Ride, which takes place in 12 cities across the United States in 2012. There are state-of-the-art adaptive hand cycles, trikes, and bicycles to accommodate warriors with various injuries and disabilities, as well as unmodified road bikes for riders not requiring adaptive equipment. WWP provides equipment and support at no cost to warriors.

WWP also has nine office locations around the U.S. to better serve Wounded Warriors, including a locally based office in Scottsdale, Ariz., which specializes in helping Wounded Warriors in the areas of mind, body, economic empowerment, and engagement.

To volunteer for Soldier Ride or donate to WWP, visit woundedwarriorproject.org. Soldier Ride, presented by GEICO, is also being supported across the country by U-HAUL (uhaul.com), a founding partner of Wounded Warrior Project.

Soldier Ride began in 2004 when civilian Chris Carney completed a coast-to-coast bicycle ride in support of Wounded Warrior Project. Carney rode more than 5,000 miles and raised more than $1,000,000. In 2005, Carney again cycled coast-to coast, this time with several combat-wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

In 2007, Soldier Ride went regional with seven rides across the country to help fund programs for Wounded Warrior Project. In 2008, President Bush welcomed the riders to the White House and called Soldier Ride, "The most inspiring athletic event in the country." In April, Wounded Warriors cycling in Soldier Ride Washington, D.C. were once again invited to the White House to meet with President Obama before the ride. More information on Soldier Ride is available atwww.woundedwarriorproject.org.