Wounded EOD Warrior Fondation Charity Ride

[Dave Crowe]

For those that I have already spoken with and those of you that I haven?t had a chance to notify yet here is the info and background on the charity bike ride I?ve signed up for that goes from Ventura County to San Diego to benefit the Wounded Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warrior Foundation.  I?ve already paid the entry fee and now I?m hoping that I can get my fellow NCCC riders to sponsor me or make an anonymous donation to this very worthy cause.  The ride is open to everyone and I?ve included a copy of the entry form.  Below is some background information on what we are doing for our wounded EOD brethren and some particulars about the ride.

The Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation is a 501(c), 3 non-profit organization that provides assistance to our Wounded EOD Warriors and their families in the form of financial relief.  The resources provided by the Foundation to the wounded and their families are above and beyond the budgetary constraints of the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs.

This is where I pull out the stops and appeal to your emotions - attached is a picture of John Morley, a true hero that was injured while attempting to defeat an IED in Iraq.  His injuries included the loss of his right hand, significant burns, and lifelong injuries to both his ears and eyes.  During his time in the hospital he was an inspiration to the scores of other injured soldiers and sailors.  He maintained a strength of heart and courage that would defy all logic.  His beautiful fianc? quit her job to move to San Antonio to help him through the more than a year of operations and therapy before he could finally transfer back to San Diego.  The picture is of his reenlistment about 4 months after his injuries.  Yes, that's right - even with all that he had gone through, his thoughts were of his platoon that was still in combat, his country that was still at war, and his need to continue to serve.  http://northcountycycleclub.com/images/misc/oath.jpg  John is now working at the same command as me and he is riding a bike donated to him by the CAF.  If we can build up his tender ?undercarriage? between now and November he expects to make the ride with us.

So, how can you help, it's easy - and is something that you are doing anyway.  Let's go ride our bikes!
http://northcountycycleclub.com/pdf/WEODWF-Form1.pdf.  The event, scheduled for 13-15 November, will roll from Naval Station Pt Mugu, down the coast to Liberty Station in San Diego where it will end with a BBQ and concert in the park.  With a route just under 200-miles, it will be a fast and fun weekend.  Your minimum registration donation of $500 will cover nearly all expenses - lodging and dinners on Friday and Saturday night, transportation from San Diego to Pt Mugu, a custom souvenir t-shirt, support vans, drivers and food and drink on the route.
If anyone is interested in making this ride or making a donation you can get more info either from me or from the event organizer Kevin Childre.  Kevin?s E-mail address and phone number are on the entry form and I can be reached at dcrowe@san.rr.com or via the club message board.