JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — They faced the enemy and fought the fight. Now many of the veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are living with the wounds.
"Every warrior's journey is different," said Mike Linnington.
It is a journey that ends with P.T.S.D. or T.B.I., acronyms that describe their invisible wounds of war.
"We know the road ahead is difficult for our warriors and we owe them our best effort," he said.
Wounded Warriors now serves 150 thousand post-9/11 veterans and their families.
In 2016, the non-profit was rocked by a scandal that saw a significant decline in public financial support.
Retired Lieutenant General Mike Linnington was hired as CEO. He said the agency has learned to be more efficient.
"We are serving more warriors today than ever before in impactful ways that change their lives," said Linnington. "Two hundred million dollars this year alone will go into programs."
Programs like Soldier Ride, a team building event. He said they've been doing it for 15 years; it brings healing and purpose.
"It really does rekindle in them with a sense of purpose and takes the first step in their healing," he said.
He said it transforms. Forty-one riders will participate in this year's soldier ride and he wants the public to show its support.
"We want them to go out and cheer the warriors, carry signs, they can certainly do that," he said.
He said for many of the riders this will be a life changing event.
"For many, this will be their first time out of the house in months, some the first time in years," he said.
Linnington said Wounded Warrior Project is strong, it has turned the proverbial corner but there are still challenges.
What he wants the community to know his the organization is strong and its commitment to the veterans is unwavering.
"We're doing more with less today than ever before and that's what we're most proud of," he said.
Soldier Ride is a nationally recognized veteran bike ride. The adaptive cycling program began in 2004 when civilian Chris Carney cycled more than 5,000 miles coast-to-coast to support Wounded Warrior Project and help raise awareness for injured veterans.
This is the schedule of events for the weekend:
Friday, Feb. 8
WWP Headquarters Ride Send-Off
Ride Start Time: 9:30 am
Location: Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL
Background: Community supporters are invited to line the sidewalk and cheer on wounded warriors. Show up at least 30 minutes early to get a good spot and feel free to bring encouraging posters and patriotic flags!
Mid-Point Water Stop
Estimated Break Time: 10:15 am – 10:45 am
Location: Celebration Church, 9555 R G Skinner Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Background: Join us to cheer on the arrival and departure of our cyclists. Snacks and water will be available to pass out to warriors as they enjoy their mid-point water break.
WWP Headquarters Ride Finish
Estimated Arrival Time: 11:30 am
Location: Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL
Background: Community supporters are invited to cheer on wounded warriors as they finish their first day of riding! There will be water and snacks to hand out to warriors at the finish line. Cheer on their accomplishment with encouraging posters and patriotic flags!
Saturday, Feb. 9
World Golf Village Ride Send-Off
Ride Start Time: 8:30 am
Start Location: World Golf Village Renaissance Resort, 500 S. Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL
Background: Community supporters are invited to line the sidewalk and cheer on wounded warriors. Show up at least 30 minutes early to get a good spot and feel free to bring encouraging posters and patriotic flags!
Mid-Point Water Stop
Estimated Break Time: 9:45 – 10:15 am
Background: Join us to cheer on the arrival and departure of our cyclists. Snacks and water will be available to pass out to warriors as they enjoy their mid-point water break.
World Golf Village Ride Finish
Estimated Arrival Time: 11:30 am
Start Location: World Golf Village Renaissance Resort, 500 S. Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL