Close recently nominated Army Staff Sgt. Allen Hill as a subject for an “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” episode, helping to dramatically improve his life in the process.

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Hill, 43, is a National Guard and U.S. Army veteran who served nearly 20 years, including two tours in Iraq. He earned a Purple Heart for injuries sustained when an Improvised Explosive Device demolished a Humvee he was riding in. He has been in treatment for post-traumatic stress since the Nov. 1, 2007, incident and away from his wife and two children for much of that time. It was a dismal existence.

But earlier this year, on a hot August night, Hill and his family stood on a street in rural Franklin County, Kan., awaiting a life-changing event. Friends, neighbors, well-wishers, military members and American Legion Riders also waited. The Hill family was about to see their new home built by volunteers on the ABC television series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition …

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To assist in his recovery, Hill was sent to a non-profit facility in Napa Valley called The Pathway Home. After extensive treatment, Hill told anyone who would listen that he had “got some of his mojo back” and wanted to return home. But returning to the environment surrounding his home was not an alternative.

Actress Glenn Close learned of Hill’s predicament and nominated the Hill family for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Tom Weigand, president of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, through the Weigand family trust donated land in the Wheatland Hills housing development near Ottawa to build a new home for the Hill family … the 4,000-square-foot home was completed in seven days.

The Hill episode airs at 8 p.m. EST Friday on ABC.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, more than 150 wounded heroes will complete a 7-day, 475-mile journey from San Francisco to LA. The Wounded Heroes, many home from Iraq and Afghanistan, are cycling down scenic Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Their goal is to raise awareness and money to provide bikes and equipment for mental and physical therapy for fellow military heroes. The final leg of this journey brings the riders down San Vicente Blvd. from 26th to the West LA VA. 

This is where you come in.  We are looking for everyone, You, your family, friends, community members, organizations, and congregations to come out and line San Vicente Blvd. all the way to the VA. Welcome home these brave men and women and cheer them on their final miles.  Special guest riders include James Cromwell, Adam Baldwin, Tobey Maguire, Mike Vogel, Patricia Heaton, David Hunt, Kristy Swanson, Adam Housley, and Andrew Breitbart. 

Afterwards, join us for a FREE celebration at the West LA VA next to the Wadsworth Theater. The entertainment will be provided by SNL’s Victoria Jackson, Jon David, and Rock Nation and you can visit and talk with the heroes including Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Walt Ehlers and the American Legion Riders.

Schedule

• 9:00 AM   Riders leave Ventura
• 1:00 PM  Join us on San Vicente Blvd. to welcome the riders home
• 1:30 PM   Riders Arrive – West LA VA 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073
• 1:45 PM   ROCK NATION                     
• 3:15 PM   Jon David Performs
• 3:30 PM   VICTORIA JACKSON LIVE
• 4:45 PM   Program concludes 

Join our community in saluting these Heroes

Day 5 – Williamsburg to Hampton saw the return of Patty Collins to the Ride. Patty has been very motivational for all of us as we have seen her develop over the past few rides. It was a year ago that Patty made her debut at a R2R event participating in last years East Coast Challenge.

Riding along the James River

Day 5 also saw the debut of Jackie and Dr. Wayne on the tandem. Jackie has never ridden a bike before, not even as a kid until she showed up at the start of the Memorial Challenge. She has come a long way since day one. She was quite shy and kept to herself and now is fully integrated into the group. She is fully enjoying the R2R experience.

Jackie and Dr. Doug

The best and most rewarding part of this program is to see the transformation of the wounded warriors that take part in the event. You look at the riders where they were on the first day and were they are now, it is truly amazing to see what a difference in their attitude and outlook. Whether it is Tony, Scott, “AC”, or even Nick or Matt that have ridden before, they have changed for the better this week.

Heading to Yorktown

Today we had a state police escort along the Colonial Parkway. There are no traffic lights or much traffic, but still when we reached Ft. Eustice, they really earned our respect. For those that know Hwy 60 in this area, lets just say that traffic is a way of life. We did not stop at any traffic lights and no cars to be seen. The group stayed together for the most part and the wounded warriors that rode 50 miles in 4 1/2 hours on day one and two, rode 62 miles in 4 hours today. They were quite proud of that accomplishment and celebrated by hitting the hotel swimming pool.

Patty Collins in action

Tonight’s dinner took place at Ft. Eustice with many members of their WTU. Col. Bowes threw a great BBQ. Thanks to the local USO for helping out. After dinner we were treated to a special screening of the movie “Brothers at Arms”. If you have not seen it, you should because it will give you a greater appreciation of the sacrifice our men and women in the military make.

Tomorrow we are really looking forward to American Idol winner David Cook…..

Regards,
Ride 2 Recovery
Making a Difference in the Lives of Wounded Warriors
818.888.7091×1
818.710.1453 Fax
www.Ride2Recovery.com

Supporters include American Legion Auxiliary, USO, Star Trac, VFW, Otis Spunkmeyer, Sunkist, Giant Bicycles, League of American Bicyclists, Operation Rebound, American Legion Riders, Step Up 4 Vets, California American Legion, Coca-Cola, Shimano, Veltec Sports, Hincapie Sports, Alternative Vehicles, Hansen’s, Clif Bar, Rudy Project, DeFeet, Park Tool, Speedplay, ProMax, Chamois Butt’r, CytoSport, and Bicycling Magazine. R2R is an America Supports You Homefront Group.

The 65 mile ride to Richmond along a good portion of Virginia Bike Route 1 promised to be a lot of fun.

Bike Route 1

Most everyone knows that Richmond was the capitol of the Confederacy, but did you know that: In 1775, Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” speech in Richmond and in 1781, under the command of Benedict Arnold, Richmond was burned by British troops.

Everyone was all smiles today

Each of the R2R events are open to the Wounded Warriors as well as the general public. Many cycling enthusiasts really look for ways to support the troops and the Ride 2 Recovery provides them a unique way to shoe support. Not only can they help with their knowledge of cycling, but they can raise money for a worthy cause and have fun doing it because they get to do something that they love- Ride their Bike!.

Gary Gephart and Dr. Doug Wayne

In the Memorial Challenge there are quite a few riders who wanted to show their support for the wounded warriors and have a good time doing it. They come from near (Richmond native Dr. Doug Wayne) and far (Ellis Grossnickle and Scott Derr).

Ellis and Scott are co-workers who heard about R2R from the radio show done by Texas Challenge participant Steve Hayes. After that first impression, Scott and Ellis knew right away that they wanted to get involved and signed up to participate for the Memorial Challenge.

Ellis Grossnickle

In sort of a friendly rivalry, they wanted to see who could raise the most money. They both work for a company that manages financial assets so they put the rolodex to work.

All 3 men and the other non-military participants are having a great time interacting and hearing the stories of the wounded warriors. Dr. Wayne told us all the stories of the area we rode through today and as a member of the Richmond Cycling Club, they will have 20 friends join us tomorrow.

Also, the Governor of Virginia, Tim Kaine comes to the ride. Stay tuned for all of the fun from Day 4

Regards,
Ride 2 Recovery
Making a Difference in the Lives of Wounded Warriors
818.888.7091×1
818.710.1453 Fax
www.Ride2Recovery.com

Supporters include American Legion Auxiliary, USO, Star Trac, VFW, Otis Spunkmeyer, Sunkist, Giant Bicycles, League of American Bicyclists, Operation Rebound, American Legion Riders, Step Up 4 Vets, California American Legion, Coca-Cola, Shimano, Veltec Sports, Hincapie Sports, Alternative Vehicles, Hansen’s, Clif Bar, Rudy Project, DeFeet, Park Tool, Speedplay, ProMax, Chamois Butt’r, CytoSport, and Bicycling Magazine. R2R is an America Supports You Homefront Group.

The Battle of Fredericksburg was remembered as one of the most one-sided battles of the American Civil War. It brought an early end the Union campaign against the Confederate capital of Richmond.

US Marine Adam Jahnke on his R2R Bicycle

After a long wait, the Ride 2 Recovery has finally unveiled the brand new Ride 2 Recovery bicycle. It is an all carbon frame and fork with Shimano black group and wheels, Michelin Tires and Cane Creek head parts.

The bike were made possible with a grant from the USO and the support of former Giant product manager, Kevin Cox. The bikes feature a USO logo and corporate slogan. The bikes are given to the wounded warriors under a permanent loan program. The bikes have a retail value of $2700. 

USO Canteen is a welcome daily site

There are several new wounded heroes that will be receiving these bikes and their mental and physical rehab enhanced by participating in the R2R program. One of these heroes is Tony Davis from Ft. Lee WTU. Davis is part of a demolition recovery team. In his capacity, he is required to retrieve blown up US Military equipment such as a Hum Vee after an IED explosion. Often times, this work comes during the course of the battle. This is extremely dangerous work. Davis has had 3 tours to Iraq and had both knees injured during the retrieval of a Hum Vee.

Greg Boyle, Commander of US Marine Wounded Warrior program

Davis also has some PTSD from the exposure to all the death associated with retrieving the blown up vehicles, with the deaths that are involved with those attacks. He also brings back the bloody personal effects of those fallen heroes.

Tony Davis (far left) riding up the final climb.

Davis had a shaky first day as he got used to the physicality that the ride entails. With his knee injuries, he is not able to run of do other types of cardio exercise. Cycling is the perfect way for him to get back into shape after his surgeries. On day 2, he was able to keep up with the main group and had a big smile on his face as he pulled into the hotel. He was sharing his stories at dinner tonight at American Legion Post 320.

Regards,
Ride 2 Recovery
Making a Difference in the Lives of Wounded Warriors
818.888.7091×1
818.710.1453 Fax
www.Ride2Recovery.com

You can also follow the ride by joining our Facebook Ride 2 Recovery group.

Supporters include American Legion Auxiliary, USO, Star Trac, VFW, Otis Spunkmeyer, Sunkist, Giant Bicycles, League of American Bicyclists, Operation Rebound, American Legion Riders, Step Up 4 Vets, California American Legion, Coca-Cola, Shimano, Veltec Sports, Hincapie Sports, Alternative Vehicles, Hansen’s, Clif Bar, Rudy Project, DeFeet, Park Tool, Speedplay, ProMax, Chamois Butt’r, CytoSport, and Bicycling Magazine. R2R is an America Supports You Homefront Group.

The second annual Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge is from May 25-30. For the first time, the event started with a cycling clinic featuring Olympic cyclist Wayne Stetina and former Mercury Cycling Team mechanic Scott Moro. With support from cycling professional like Gary Hanson and Neil Stewart, Vietnam vets Jim Penseyres and Duane Wagner, all of the R2R participants had a great deal of knowledge to learn the ins and outs of riding and healing.

The clinic really helped get the R2R participants oriented on their bikes and almost all of them had their riding positions fixed up and this will make for a much more comfortable ride.

The Wounded Warriors that participate in the Ride 2 Recovery events have come from all over the US and almost all service branches are represented. Many of these brave men and women have seen their friends and fellows soldiers not return from Iraq and Afghanistan. Memorial Day is not just another day off.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.

View from Iwo Jima

This R2R ride goes thru some of the most historical areas of our country especially the Civil and Revolutionary War periods. The first stop on the route is Manassas, where the first major battle of the Civil War took place. On the way, the group will go past Mt. Vernon, the home of George Washington.

The ride will kick-off with the National Memorial Parade, where the warriors and the American Legion Riders will be a part of the parade and then head down to Manassas.

This R2R ride is the largest group yet to take part in the ride. Over the next six days, we will bring you their stories.

We really look forward to bringing you all of the action……

Regards,

Ride 2 Recovery
Making a Difference in the Lives of Wounded Warriors
818.888.7091×1
818.710.1453 Fax
www.Ride2Recovery.com

You can also follow the ride by joining our Facebook Ride 2 Recovery group.

Supporters include American Legion Auxiliary, USO, Star Trac, VFW, Otis Spunkmeyer, Sunkist, Giant Bicycles, League of American Bicyclists, Operation Rebound, American Legion Riders, Step Up 4 Vets, California American Legion, Coca-Cola, Shimano, Veltec Sports, Hincapie Sports, Alternative Vehicles, Hansen’s, Clif Bar, Rudy Project, DeFeet, Park Tool, Speedplay, ProMax, Chamois Butt’r, CytoSport, and Bicycling Magazine. R2R is an America Supports You Homefront Group.

Day 5 felt a bit different. Maybe it was the fact that we did not have 40-50 mph crosswinds, or perhaps it was the larger than expected turnout of American Legion Riders, but all of the riders could tell that this was going to be different than the previous four days. The R2R crew took off on the ride through Johnson County to Cleburne with a relief that the tailwinds had returned.

As soon as the ride reached the first big town of Whitney, you could tell the difference was the amount of people that had come out to greet the riders.

Each day, the local American Legion Auxiliary helps plan and support the event. Whether it is our lunch stop, dinner, or getting the local schools and business showing their support for the wounded warriors.

The stories of the wounded warriors makes this ride special. Many of the Texas Challenge riders have participated before. One such special man is Juan Guerrero from the Alaska National Guard. Juan has participated in two previous events and was looking forward to seeing Arlington. Unfortunately a wayward driver in Killeen caused a crash and Juan will not make it this time. Juan has a wicked sense of humor and that helps keep his spirits up as he looks forward to the Memorial Challenge.

On Friday, the amount of people cheering on the side of the road was spectacular. From having lunch with the students of Whitney, or the assembly in Cleburne, the enthusiasm of the kids is really uplifting for the riders.

After we left the assembly at Smith Middle School, the parade to the hotel was lined with the townspeople cheering and waving signs. It was one of the great days in a person’s life and it meant a lot to the recovering warriors.

When everyone pulled into the hotel, we all looked at each other and said “WOW!”

Check out more coverage here.