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“If you’re ever in San Antonio, look me up,” said the
young veteran. He’s not a typical young man launching into life, but an
extraordinary example of bravery in action. He’s J.R. Martinez – a
wounded veteran, a national spokesman, an American hero.
That simple invitation was to spark a national event. A
motorcycle journey across 1600 miles … a rolling tribute to military
veterans severely wounded in the cause of freedom.
A journey to
salute America’s heroes – and you can be part of it.
It all started when J.R. Martinez, a severely wounded
veteran, attended the RE/MAX International Convention in Orlando this
spring, where he spoke of the mission of the Coalition to Salute
America’s Heroes. Although he was suffering in body, his spirit was
undaunted.
Three of us from RE/MAX Premier in the nation’s
capital area – David Harbour, Jeff Lubell and me – sought out J.R..
Although facing long months of surgery and rehabilitation at Brooke Army
Medical Center in San Antonio, he inspired us through his vision, his
courage, and a maturity beyond his 22 years.
When we left, he gave each of us a coin from his unit
– a sign of brotherhood – and told us, “If you’re ever in San Antonio,
look me up.”
Within days we had decided to take him up on his offer
– and the idea for The Ride for America’s Patriots was born. We
would leave from the nation’s capital area to San Antonio, in a rolling
tribute to raise awareness and funds to help those who had sacrificed
for us.
Soon we were joined by our good friend Bob Loy, a
retired army lieutenant colonel and a Viet Nam vet … and more riders are
being added as we go along. We’ve each pledged to raise at least $5,000
for the cause.
We’re coming, J.R. And we’re bringing support from
across America with us.
Our first annual ride to San Antonio to a
big success. We raised over $28,000 in total. Please help us to raise
money and awareness on a second annual ride to Fort Drum, NY. We are
departing Northern Virginia on Sunday May 20th, 2007, passing through
the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, on our way to Fort Drum, NY,
home of the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division. We are eternally grateful
for the sacrifice and patriotism of our men and women in
uniform
– Tom Donegan, RE/MAX Premier, Virginia
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