Proud to be a member of the America Supports You Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2005
Contact: Lisa Frederick, USO-Metro
(703) 696-3278
Lisa.Frederick@fmmc.army.mil
USO Ride for Pride a Rousing Success
Woodbridge, VA-The USO of Metropolitan Washington’s third annual Ride for Pride was a huge success, thanks to the many sponsors and riders who participated. USO-Metro raised almost $10,000-enough to sponsor 400 USO Care Packages! On Saturday morning, September 24, motorcycle riders and passengers from Maryland, Virginia, and DC met at Honda PowerSports of Crofton and Coleman PowerSports in Woodbridge, VA to start their engines in support of our men and women in uniform.
The riders left the starting points at noon and were escorted by representatives from police departments and Sheriff's offices from the state of Maryland, Anne Arundel County, Fredericksburg, Stafford County, and King George's County through 75 miles of scenic southern Maryland. Almost two hours later, riders on almost 200 motorcycles arrived at the Seventh District Optimist Club in Avenue, Maryland to feast on hamburgers and hot dogs donated by Safeway and prepared by members of the American Legion Post 221. Thunder 104.5 FM provided music to an enthusiastic crowd as riders and passengers reflected on the reason for the event.
Actor and musician Mickey Jones was the special guest for the day. Jones has appeared in hundreds of movies and television shows, and has toured overseas with the USO since the early 60s. Jones gave a rousing speech to the crowd at the end of the ride, explaining the importance of supporting our troops and the USO. "People keep thanking me," he said, "but I'm just one person. It's you all that make the difference."
In order to participate in the event, each rider donated $25 to Operation USO Care Package. The riders participated in a care package stuffing party at the end of the ride, assembling 500 USO care packages with calling cards, disposable cameras, toiletries, snacks, reading materials, and other items specifically requested by service members on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan.
