Soldier Ride

Soldier Ride began in 2004, when one man cycled to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. Now, over 75 wounded warriors will participate in this year`s ride-- cycling a combined distance of over 3,000 miles. "I myself do have friends wounded and were killed in Iraq. So I figured this would be a great way to show my support for those guys." Three veterans who served in the Iraqi war are here on a cross country tour to help support their fellow service men and women. They began their ride in New York on May 6. Andrew Biddle, who is only 22, served in both Afghanistan and Iraq. "It was really crazy being in Afghanistan one month after prom and the next month you are on a border being a sniper... it`s kinda weird." These veterans all have unique and inspiring stories to tell. Most of the soldiers` riding were somehow wounded in combat. Both Yegor Bondarenko, who is originally from Ukraine, and Chris Schneider`s lives changed dramatically while in Iraq. "It was basically just a freak accident. About 200,000 pounds drove up on me and parked for about 30 minutes," says Schneider. "It was a roadside bomb in May. I lost my arm and my good friend was killed. So Im doing this as a tribute to his memory... his name was Mark Maida," says Bondarenko. Bondarenko says he`s learned a lot from this ride so far, and the support from the people he`s met along the way has at times been overwhelming. "It was raining. And we were still riding. And as we pulled up to the gate, there were about 500 people there cheering and waving American flags. It just almost brings tears to your eyes." Soldier Ride helps raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides comfort and aid at the bedside of our wounded heroes. Biddle says many times veterans receive great medical treatment-- but they don`t get the simple things-- like a change of clothes. That`s where this project comes in. "The backpack is filled with comfort items, and that`s a huge deal. Being able to just put on civilian clothes makes you realize that youre finally home... you`re finally there." Monday morning these guys will start riding again making their way to Cedarville. But once this tour ends next month, they`ll already have an idea of what they`d like to do. "I do plan on going back to Iraq after this is over, this could be me someday. I could very well be receiving some of the benefits Im looking to raise right now," says Biddle. "I plan to go to school, build a house...get a kid..." says Bondarenko. "So life is good, right?" "Exactly!"