WASHINGTON, April 24,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Veterans with Wounded
Warrior Project® (WWP) kicked off the organization's
annual Soldier Ride® in the nation's capital with First
Lady Jill Biden at the White House
today. As part of her Joining
Forces initiative to support military and veteran
families, Dr. Biden welcomed and honored over 25 warriors,
their family members, and caregivers alongside the American public.
WWP's Soldier Ride at the White House began in 2008.
Celebrating 20 years of impact, the nationally recognized,
multi-day adaptive cycling event empowers wounded warriors by
increasing skills and building confidence in achieving goals.
Soldier Ride equips warriors to enjoy the physical and mental
health benefits of cycling for years to come.
"Missions may end, wars may come to a close, but the
sacrifices you make endure. As a military mom and as your first
lady, I want to let you know how much you all mean to me and to
your commander-in-chief, President
Biden," remarked First Lady Biden at today's
event. "Today and every day, we ride
with you—your president, your nation, and all of us here. With all
my heart, thank you for your service and sacrifice."
Watch WWP's Soldier
Ride in action and
learn more about the
program.
A Woman Warrior's Story of Service and
Sacrifice
U.S. Navy veteran Sharona Young shared her story of resilience at
the White House event. Sharona joined the Navy at 17 and deployed
to England, Spain, Jordan, and the Persian Gulf. She formed
lasting bonds and cherished memories during her service. However,
she also developed a back injury, post-traumatic stress disorder,
and multiple sclerosis. Adjusting to civilian life while handling
significant health challenges proved overwhelming. Sharona
experienced decreased mobility and isolation; her mental health and
quality of life worsened. Now 10 years later, Sharona is humbled to
share her story and inspire other warriors to find hope and
healing.
"I went through a period of depression and just feeling
isolated and lonely," Sharona shared. "Just looking at where I'm at
now, what I'm going through, it's just hard to imagine where my
daughter and I would be if we didn't have the support of Wounded
Warrior Project. There are no words for it; no comparison for it. I
am beyond grateful and honored to share this experience with my
brothers and sisters today."
Soldier Ride Celebrates 20 Years of
Impact
Since 2004, Soldier Ride has offered
veterans and their families over 17,000 healing opportunities.
Soldier Ride is more than cycling. It's a life-changing experience
that connects warriors to each other and their communities. The
experience also helps them manage the physical wounds and effects
of trauma experienced during service, which can reduce suicide
risk.
"We thank the Biden-Harris Administration for supporting
the healing journey of these resilient wounded warriors," said WWP
CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walt Piatt. "It
is an honor to stand alongside our nation's leaders as we mark two
decades of Soldier Ride. Together, we affirm our nation's
commitment to helping warriors find hope and purpose beyond their
service."
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 how the organization supports veterans.
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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project