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
Orlando, 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
auditorium 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
CSAH 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
cannot 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
short 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
for America’s Patriots, visit www.rideforamericaspatriots.com.
More information on CSAH can be found at www.saluteheroes.org.
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