We all know we are in the middle of summer in the heat.  However, autumn will be upon us soon as we get prepared for the kids returning to school and football.

The 9th Annual Honor the Warriors Bike Ride Event is scheduled for October 26-27 in Charlotte on Friday and Saturday at Veterans Memorial Park in Mint Hill.  “Our signature event is in Charlotte and Mint Hill, we are planning on sponsoring 30 disabled warriors.  All food, hotel and transportation will be provided,” said Jerry Morris, Founder and Organizer.  The first ride will kick off at 8:00 am on the 26th, and the Main Event will be in Mint Hill from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday October 27th.

Honor the Warriors is a veterans group who provides camaraderie and offers veterans a real sense of purpose toward shared goals and expectations.  As Morris mentioned, “no team is better equipped to take on any change than our service members.”  The organization brings veterans together and provides the structure these men and women are accustom to having that is required to achieve success.

“For our riders who must conquer a hill or pass a mile marker is more than just a singular achievement, it’s recognition that all they have worked and sacrificed for is still within their grasp,” said Morris.

These disabled veterans are proving a disability will not stop them from making the most of their lives and will not prevent them from achieving their mission.  They know better than most the power in a shared vision, the true meaning for everyone to be pulling together in the same direction to accomplish an objective or attain a goal.  This is a very powerful message that must be communicated, especially to our youth.

This event gives these veterans a sense of pride, they are with their brothers and sisters, the camaraderie and power of being part of something bigger than yourself, is why these brave American citizens served our nation.

According to Morris, when the veteran gets into the Veterans Administrations system it will take a minimum of 6 to 12 months to get an approval for a bike to ride.  So Honor the Warriors maintains a fleet of bicycles, they will lease these bikes to veterans for a $1.00 while they wait for the approval.  Many of the bikes are expensive due to the injuries sustained, as these veterans will need trikes and hand cycles.

Last year we had 120 riders, all military veterans who come to support the event and ride with the wounded warriors.  The Women’s Club of Mint Hill will raise funds for the event and last year raised $5000.00.  This year American Legion Post 235 in Matthews will offer some of their members to volunteer and assist during the bike event.  Also, support from the local High Schools and Mint Hill Police and Fire Departments is fully expected.

Please put this date down on your calendar and bring the kids and family out to Veterans Memorial Park and spend some time with real life action heroes in the fresh autumn air who really appreciate and deserve our support.

For more information please go to their website www.honorthewarriors.org.  Donations are accepted and are always appreciated for an honorable cause.