We finished a very busy September on a beautiful day. The beach was gorgeous, there wasn’t a cloud in sight, and the view rivaled any seen along the Mediterranean coastline in southern France. Only it wasn’t Southern France and it wasn’t the Tour de France; it was Redondo Beach and it was Ride with the Tide, a fantastic event sponsored and organized by one of our best friends, South Bay Sunrise Rotary Club (SBSRC).
We’ve always said that in order for us to maintain our high level of support for our combat wounded, it’s critical that we turn to our community for help. We’ve had the good fortune to have been chosen as one of the charities SBSRC supports, and working together, we have accomplished amazing things for our wounded vets. Because of this relationship, we’ve been able to provide scholarships, cars, Christmas gifts, and much-needed financial aid. Our ability to care for our combat wounded in the way that we do would not be possible without the assistance of our Rotarian partners.
Every year SBSRC holds one of the biggest bike tours in Southern California. This year was no exception. Hundreds of riders took to the streets to test their mettle in a number of distances. The early, serious cyclists rode a 61-mile course. The more casual but still intrepid riders cycled 31 miles. And those who simply wanted to cruise traveled 15 miles along the beach. It turned out to be a great day, and just like last year, our vets volunteered to direct sections of the tour.
Americans love their veterans, and when given the opportunity, they show it. We couldn’t ask for better partners than the friends we’ve made with South Bay Sunrise Rotary Club. Thank you for the love and support you’ve shown our combat wounded!
And to you, dear reader, don’t miss this event next year. If we have the same stunning weather we had this year, it will be another spectacular day in Southern California, breaking bread with and getting to know our veterans, the men and women who have risked everything so that we can enjoy this great way of life.