North Dakota Guard members pedaling with purpose

North Dakota Guard members pedaling with purpose
Bike trek aims to raise awareness about PTSD
FARGO – Dan Olson has ridden his bicycle around North Dakota for the past two years in memory of friend and fellow soldier Joe Biel.
By: Danielle Cintron, INFORUM

FARGO – Dan Olson has ridden his bicycle around North Dakota for the past two years in memory of friend and fellow soldier Joe Biel.

Olson, a North Dakota National Guardsman in the 188th unit based in Wahpeton, began this year’s bike ride June 27 in Williston and passed through Fargo on Tuesday.

He started the ride as a way to bring awareness to post-traumatic stress disorder among soldiers.

“There are a lot more people with PTSD than you’d think,” he said. “The army brainwashes people into thinking you’re invincible. So, soldiers like to shove the idea of getting help aside.”

Staff Sgt. Biel, of Devils Lake, died of suicide in April 2007 after serving two tours in Iraq.

“We’re just trying to prevent people from doing that kind of thing again,” Olson said. “We’re trying to make this (bike ride) a yearly event. It’d be really nice to get a corporate sponsorship and make this bigger.”
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North Dakota Guard members pedaling with purpose