Babylon Soldier Ride back in action after pandemic pause
BABYLON, N.Y. -- Dozens of wounded soldiers were honored Friday during the opening ceremony for the annual Soldier Ride in Babylon, Long Island.
This is the 15th year for the event and the first full ride since 2019.
This year, 30 wounded veterans and more than 500 people are expected to take part in the ride.
Organizers have already surpassed their fundraising goal of $50,000.
As CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reports, emotions overwhelmed onlookers at Babylon Town Hall as 30 wounded warriors took to their bicycles.
"I was injured in Afghanistan in 2010 ... I lost both of my legs above the knees and sustained other injuries," said Army veteran Hari Budhamagar.
The annual 25-mile charity soldier ride to Overlook Beach on Long Island's South Shore was canceled during COVID.
"We found that isolation was already a problem before COVID and the pandemic hit. Then that threw another curve ball in there. We can heal through movement," said William Hayes.
Veterans spoke of physical injuries from the war, but also invisible injuries they are suffering from, made worse during the pandemic.
Hundreds of civilians joined the wounded to ride alongside and lend support.
"A lot of us were suffering," said former Army paratrooper Tonya Oxendine.
She believes the ride's return is overwhelming help.
"I served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and severe depression," she said.
Worldwide, 160,000 wounded veterans and their families will benefit.
"I'm riding today for Justin Wilson, who was a family friend who was killed in action over in Afghanistan," Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said.
"I was born with spina bifida myself. I love to bike ride, use my hand cycle and do charity rides and help other people," said Joseph Slanika.
"We hope to raise $100,000, we just hit that mark, and those funds will go directly towards honoring, empowering and changing these warriors' lives for the better," said Jonas Harmon, associate director of the Soldier Ride.
Paul Lambert of the British Army left his family in Scotland to participate.
"I lost both of my legs in Afghanistan. It means a lot to everyone taking part. Just being part of a group again, having a laugh and a good ride," Lambert said.
Lambert said he was moved to tears with the love and support showered on wounded warriors this day.