Ride for Operation Wounded Warrior leaves for San Antonio

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 49th Fighter Wing commander joined the American Legion Riders for part of their ride for Operation Wounded Warrior to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Oct. 3. 

Operation Wounded Warrior is an effort started by an Arizona chapter of the American Legion Riders in 2005, answering a public service announcement for comfort and personal care items for wounded troops at BAMC, said Mr. Ed "Wishbone" Summerall, American Legion Riders chapter eight president. Chapters from New Mexico and Nevada have joined the effort since and brought more than $60,000 in monetary donations and products to the hospital last year. 

"This is one more way the Hollomogordo community can come together and do the right thing," said Brig. Gen. David Goldfein, 49 FW commander. 

General Goldfein decided to ride along to show support from the base. 

"We have approximately 700 Airmen deployed from Holloman," said the general. "These folks are supporting them and it is my way of saying thank you." 

This year within the Tularosa Basin, the riders collected more than $8,000 in monetary donations and approximately $2,000 in items needed such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, blankets, magazines and video games. 

Cub Scout Troop 124 of Holloman collected $655 within four hours in front of the Base Exchange for the cause. Other Holloman organizations such as the Top 3 and First Sergeants Association supported the cause. 

The New Mexico chapters of the American Legion Riders are escorting a donated moving truck to BAMC this year. BAMC is active in brain and burn trauma patients, currently with approximately 500 patients, said Mr. Summerall. Chapters in Arizona and Nevada are bringing the items to Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego, Calif., and Camp Pendleton, Calif. 

"The young troops made a sacrifice, a very serious sacrifice, in the continued pursuit of freedom. They need to be recognized and supported for what they've done," said Mr. Summerall. "It's an honor for us to be able to do this, and I want to thank the Hollomogordo community for supprting us."