Donations to date: $76,443.00

Well, it has been some time since my last post....July the 14th I believe!!!  Since that time as a team we have not only grown in numbers, but we have grown in donations as well! 

The Ride for Semper Fi team now consists of 40 riders that come from all walks of life and backgrounds.  The athletic abilities and strength of the riders varies somewhat but it is becoming less noticeable as we continue to train every weekend.  Soon we will have video available on the website of our training rides so stay tuned!!!!  The commitment and spirit of these riders is one of the most inspirational things I have ever witnessed.  Week in and week out the riders come to Mesa and begin long rides at 5:30 in the morning.  The rides vary from 60 miles with over 3 thousand feet of climbing to 94 miles of long flat road.  While the abilities may vary from rider to rider, what does not vary is the common bond that has formed among the team which stems from an incredible passion for taking care of our injured heroes.  The people who have joined this team are incredible and I am truly humbled by the opportunity to be part of this team with them.  They are all great Americans.

The donations to date have been unbelievable!!!!!!!  We have currently raised more than 76 thousand dollars!!!!!!  I am truly amazed at the generosity and patriotism of the people in this country.  Americans give until it hurts...then they give more!  I believe that is what makes us different from other countries.  Recently,I had the opportunity to speak in front of three church services about our event.  In all three services I was approached and given money by people who clearly did not really have the money to spare.  Their faith and their loyalty to our country and our heroes was shown with a hug and a few dollars pressed into my palm as they left the church.  I was incredibly touched by their generosity and their love of country.

So now, we have about 60 days left until we depart for Balboa Park in San Diego.  This trip, like last years, promises to one filled with great fun, great people, and a great result for our campaign!!!!!  We will continue to work our way towards our goal of 100k!!!!!!!!!  Believe me, if anyone can do it, these folks can....they are amazing!!!!!!

Until next time, God Bless and Semper Fi

John