Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride

Marine Cpl. Chad Watson (left) and Marine 1st Lt. Andrew Kinard (center) lead the group of veteran and civilian cyclists in the White House to Lighthouse Challenge. (Sun photo by André F. Chung / April 26, 2008)

Marine 1st Lt. Andrew Kinard, 25, jokes before the start of race, which began at Jonas Green Park. (Sun photo by André F. Chung / April 26, 2008)

Honoring their sacrifice and spirit
About 50 people ride from Washington to Annapolis as part of a national event that empowers, challenges injured vets

By Tyeesha Dixon | Sun reporter
April 27, 2008

Chad Watson's Marine Corps unit encountered a bomb in November 2006 while he was serving his first tour in Fallujah, Iraq. The 25-year-old corporal lost a leg and has been in physical therapy ever since.

But, like the 24 other military veterans who participated in a three-day regional bike tour that ended yesterday, a physical disability wasn't going to stop Watson from living his life to the fullest.

"To me, it means getting to know the guys outside the hospital," Watson said. "It just means a lot to be with these men and women."

About 50 people biked through Washington and Maryland as part of the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride's White House to Lighthouse Challenge, which ended in Annapolis yesterday. Many of the participants with leg injuries and amputations used hand-operated bicycles. Military veterans wore matching shirts with an American flag motif.
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