Veterans cycle from Las Vegas to Los Angeles in multi-day relay

The Wounded Warrior Project and the National Football League have launched Soldier Ride, a multi-day cycling expedition connecting Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The initiative aims to assist veterans in their transition back to civilian life by fostering community among injured service members.

Approximately 20 veterans began the journey from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on November 9. They are traveling in relay teams toward Phoenix, where a second group will take over the route to continue the ride to Los Angeles. Organizers stated that the event emphasizes healing over speed.

Lt. Gen. Walt Pyatt, the chief executive officer of the Wounded Warrior Project, addressed the difficulties veterans face upon returning home. He noted that many individuals struggle with physical or invisible wounds. “For warriors, every warrior, whether they have a physical wound that you can see or an invisible wound, it shouldn’t be harder to come home than it is to go, but it is. Most warriors come back, but they don’t truly come home. Wounded Warrior Project, we’re committed to finding every warrior everywhere and bringing them home, mind, body and soul,” Pyatt said.

The nonprofit organization provides free programs to eligible participants. Any post-9/11 veteran can register for future Soldier Rides and other support services. The organization directs interested individuals to its website at woundedwarriorproject.org for enrollment details.