George W. Bush adds 100K bike ride to his already impressive resume. Over the weekend, former President George W. Bush and several wounded vets from Afghanistan and Iraq took part in the three-day Warrior 100K – a 62-mile bike ride through Texas, which concluded in the commander-in-chief’s Prairie Chapel Ranch.
George W. Bush biked 100K terrain with members of the arm forces during an event put together by the Bush Institute’s military service.
According to retired Army Col. Miguel Howe, director of the Bush Institute’s military service initiative, more than 20 vets (and their families) from all over country took part in the 5th annual Warrior 100K mountain bike ride, which zigzagged through Texas and concluded at Bush’s Prairie Chapel Ranch in McLennan County.
Among the wounded veterans, who succeeded in the 100-kilometer bike ride, was Command Sgt. Major Brian Flom who was injured severally in October 2007 by a rocket attack.
Flom said that it was important to be there with his wife, Monika Flom, because she stayed by his side during the toughest times in his life. Prior to the ride, Bush told the veterans and the volunteers:
“Their service and sacrifice is different.But it is no less a service and sacrifice. I’m proud to be their friend, I was proud to be their commander-in-chief and now I’m proud to be riding mountain bikes with them.”
The director of the Bush Institute’s military service initiative went on to explain that it is often very difficult for vets and their families to transition back to civilian life, which is why Mr. Bush, the institute and its partners are determined to help them.
Amber Vasquez, whose husband Army Spc. Marco Vasquez, served in Iraq, spoke to local media saying that she had the feeling that Howe was talking about her life.
When Mr. Vasquez returned home, his re-entry into civilian life was a nightmare, and he tried to commit suicide. Mrs. Vasquez shared:
“When all the problems came up, we were isolated. No one understood, and it actually scared some people away.”
The vet, who suffered a brain injury during a firefight in Fallujah, said the event was a treat and added that mountain biking is therapeutic.
What are your thoughts on Bush’s initiative?
