21 Cyclists Embark On 335-Mile Ride For Veterans
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The South Side had a patriotic look Thursday morning when bikers dressed in red, white and blue took off for the nation's capital on a mission called 335 Miles for Veterans.
Today, 21 veterans and their supporters left for Washington, D.C. and they plan to arrive on July 4 - Independence Day.
The starting line was the Veterans Leadership Program office on the South Side. This ride, like the time many served in the military, is a mission. However, not all on this journey are veterans. Tim Kudrav's brother is a veteran.
"I want my veterans to know that I support them 100 percent and because of their efforts, we enjoy the freedom in this country that we do today," Kudrav said.
Jack Kudrav is a retired Army sergeant who was diagnosed with cancer in 2007. His doctor recommended swimming or biking. Not only did he become an avid cyclist, he became an advocate for veterans. He took this journey alone last year, he has company this time.
"Some of my colleagues took the idea and ran with it. They planned the entire event. I couldn't have asked for a greater plan or greater people to help me with this," he said.
"To be honest, I am kind of afraid. It's 335 miles - a long way, but I want to come back with a sense of accomplishment and pride," Jenifer Kendall said.
The bikers raised $25,000 and all of it going to local veterans.
Pennsylvania is home to more than 900,000 veterans and Allegheny County has the largest population of veterans in the state with more than 18,000.
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