Dynasplint® ROM

On May the 1^st I had the great privilege of riding by bike with some true American Heroes.  These men are combat wounded soldiers with hearts of gold.  That morning when Glenn Headley and I arrived we immediately noticed these three wheeled bikes that were given motion by hand and arm power not leg power.  These bikes were referred to as hand bikes and the men on them had suffered terrible injuries that resulted in the loss of one or both of their legs.  These men acted with dignity and showed extreme courage facing the challenging course ahead of them. 

            As we left Jonas Green State Park we started our first climb to the summit of the Naval Academy Bridge led by an escort of the Annapolis Police and the Department of Defense Police. Once we reached the top of the bridge we came to a stop and were given the chance to soak in the view of the Severn River and the United States Naval Academy.  While we sat on top of the bridge the local law enforcement was working their magic with traffic control and I was expecting the locals to be irritated that they were inconvenienced by the cyclists taking in the view.  To my surprise people yelled and honked their horns.  The passers by yelled thank you for your service and honked their horns with gratitude.  Quite a bit of time passed buy while we were on the bridge and I started to wonder why we were waiting so long and that is when I realized that one of wounded warriors had gotten a flat tire as soon as we started.  That is when you realize how important it is that no soldier is left behind.  Once the missing soldier made it to the top of the bridge we resumed our ride.

            During the entire ride we received a warm reaction from the residents of Annapolis.  However, the most memorable experience for me is when we made that right turn next to Hallogan Hall and entered the prestigious grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy.  As we rode through the grounds of the Academy we were welcomed by hundreds of mid shipmen, soldiers and officers lining the streets clapping and cheering us on like champions that just one the big game.

            I will never forget this experience and would like to extend my gratitude to the Wounded Warrior Project and Dynasplint Systems for making it possible for me to participate.

 Thank You
Brian Catterton