Air Force Academy hosting Wounded Warrior Project Solder Ride

The Air Force Academy is hosting a Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride.

The two-day, 40 mile ride aims to bring the same type of unity that wounded veterans enjoyed during their military service.

Many veterans face challenges when transitioning to civilian life.

Dustin Speakman served at Fort Campbell from 2000 to 2005. He suffered a brain and spinal injury while fighting in Iraq. This is his first soldier ride and something he says is crucial for his road to recovery.

“The bond is really what helps with the recovery process. The bike is just a tool that enables it. I found that through other Wounded Warrior Project events, the comradery through everything is really what brought me back around from being in darker times,” said Speakman.

The event begins Thursday with a bike fitting for injured veterans at the Colorado Springs Marriot at 5580 Tech Center Drive. There, veterans will be fitted for adaptive equipment to make the ride as comfortable as possible. The fitting runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Warrior ride will begin Friday with a 15 mile ride between the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center and the Olympic Training Center.

Saturday participants will ride 25 miles between Monument and the Air Force Academy.