CNO Roughead cycles with wounded vets in Jacksonville

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead along with Sailors from NAS Jacksonville and NS Mayport and other cylists joined the wounded warriors in a 50-mile bike ride from the World Golf Village in St. Augustine to NS Mayport Dec. 17.

"I'm here today to ride with these great young people, who are such an inspiration. We have several wounded warriors participating in this event which requires tremendous commitment, dedication and drive. Not only are they a great inspiration to one another, but most importantly, they are an inspiration to anyone who sees this. They have been injured and have given greatly in a time of war, yet they are driving on. They are the perfect example of what one gentleman here said, 'life goes on,'" said an enthusiastic Roughead before the ride.

Members of Team Navy Jax present Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead with one of their team jerseys before the Ride 2 Recovery Florida Challenge at the World Golf Village.

"I can't think of a better way to spend the day than with these great Sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines who have given so much for their country." Fifteen members from Team Navy Jax also participated in the ride.

"It's inspiring for me to see how well these guys have recovered. I was in Fallujah, Iraq, during the invasion of Fallujah and ran a surgical unit there. I've seen the injuries so many of our troops have sustained," stated Naval Hospital Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Bruce Gillingham.

"So, it's great to see how well these wounded warriors have recovered. And, to see them getting out and participating in an event like this is just fantastic." As the cyclists geared up and prepared themselves for the ride, some of the wounded warriors talked about their experiences and why the ride was so important to them.

"I'm here to support fellow injured troops. Riding my bike helps me in my recovery and also shows newly injured guys that you can get up and get about and have an active lifestyle after your injuries," remarked Sam Cila, who retired from the New York National Guard in April.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, right, and NS Mayport Commanding Officer Capt. Aaron Bowman speak to Jeanne Sanitate, left, from New Jersey and Nathan Hunt of Texas on the newly built beach access ramp at NS Mayport during a dedication ceremony Dec. 17. Members of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14 from NAS Jacksonville and Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast constructed and engineered the first handicapped ramp to the beaches at NS Mayport for disabled veterans and civilians. MC2 Elisha Dawkins

Cila was hit by a roadside bomb July 4, 2005 while serving in Iraq. He lost his left hand and is recovering from heart surgery and bullet wounds. "This is an awesome event and I love being a part of it," he said. Cila is sponsored by the Challenged Athletes Foundation and competes in numerous athletic events around the country raising awareness for wounded warriors.

Retired Army Sgt. Noah Galloway, a double amputee who was injured by a roadside bomb Dec. 19, 2005, also participated in the ride. "It's great participating in these events. I started running when I came home because I was physically fit before my injuries and wanted to continue to be. But it was too hard on my stump on my leg to run. So to be introduced to cycling has been a big help to me both emotionally and physically. Cycling is a lower impact sport and it has me out there trying to get back into shape and push myself," explained Galloway.

"This whole week has been great and today is the final day riding - it's so exciting to get to the end and to be able to say 'you did it.'"

As the cyclists took off for Mayport under bright blue skies and a strong headwind, they anxiously anticipated the end of the ride and the celebration to highlight their accomplishment, including a special tribute to the wounded warriors at the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts football game later that evening.

(From left) Participants from VP-30 included Lt. Julia Feys, Lt. Michael Minervini, Lt. Cmdr. Mark Bunn, CNO Adm. Gary Roughead, Lt. Cmdr. Brian Conway, Lt. Leigh Shannon and Lt. Cmdr. Dustin Hendrix.

Photo by Miriam S. Gallet Jacksonville City Councilman Don Redman shakes hands with CNO Adm. Gary Roughead during the Beach Access Ramp Ribbon Cutting. Redman, a strong cycling advocate, accepted the Navy's invitation to be a part of the Ride 2 Recovery. "I had every intention of riding alongside the wounded warriors, however, a week prior to the event I broke my leg, " stated Redman. "Nevertheless I'm here today to show my appreciaition and say thank you to these brave and courageous worriers who valiantly fought for our freedom."