(1-5) Around two dozen cyclist pedal north on the Santa Monica Boardwalk during the final leg of Wounded Warrior Project's 'Soldier Ride' on Friday, February 20, 2009. (6,7) United States Navy Hospital Corpsman Derek McGinnis, 31, (Navy HM2) adjusts his prosthetic leg on the Santa Monica Boardwalk after finishing the 'Soldier Ride' on Friday. Doc McGinnis lost his leg in Iraq while transporting a patient during combat.
The Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride is a rehabilitative cycling program for wounded warriors. For many of these combat-wounded veterans, Soldier Ride provides the first steps in the return to an active lifestyle. Many of these men and women have been physically active throughout their lives. Soldier Ride offers these brave individuals the chance to get on a bike and prove to themselves, "I can still do this." Soldier Ride is not about politics; it's not about the war. It's simply about the soldiers. Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP serves to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. For more information, please call 877 TEAM WWP (832-6997) or visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
