So last Thursday afternoon, I get this breathless call from Fred, about some veterans' event at the Airpower Museum that night. Not too many details, but since he had to work, he asked me to come down to take some pictures. Turns out it was a dinner to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. WWP assists members of the armed forces who have been severely injured in combat. In addition to Thursday night's event, the group was participating in a "Soldier Ride" bike ride from the Town of Babylon town hall down to Cedar Beach. There were about 25 soldiers from the group in attendance, and we had a chance to meet and speak with them during the evening.
Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone was the host of the evening. Here is introducing the program along with a number of the wounded soldiers.
Marine Lt. Andrew Kinard, who lost both legs in an explosion in Iraq, addressing the crowd.
Friday morning at Babylon Town Hall
That's Lt. Kinard in the Navy shirt.
Heading to Ocean Parkway
The SCPD 1st Precinct Brotherhood Club was a co-sponsor of the event, and in addition to the police escort, there were many officers riding.
Whatever your feelings on current politics, you have to support and honor the troops. These guys volunteered to go into harm's way, have suffered traumatic injuries, and yet many would return to their units if given the choice. Listening to their stories of service, what they faced in recovering from their injuries, and the spirit they show was truly moving. These guys really are heroes.
More photos here
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