CRANE, Ind. -- Crane Army Ammunition Activity employees enjoyed an opportunity to support America's disabled warriors May 19 when the Honor Ride Crane took place on and around Naval Support Activity, Crane, as part of the Ride 2 Recovery program.
The ride, which offered a chance for bicyclists to take part in a 15, 30, 50 or 65-mile ride took place largely on the sprawling, Southern Indiana Navy base. Approximately 475 riders took to the roads of the base to enjoy the benefits of a closed course while raising more than $60,000 for the cause.
During the opening ceremony, CAAA Commander Col. Linwood Clark joined others in encouraging the cyclists to have a fun, yet safe ride onto the facility. Lead ride organizer Jeff Mason thanked all the volunteers and corporate sponsors who enabled the ride to become a reality.
Previously known as the Crane Cyclefest, the event had 20 Soldiers from the Warrior Transition Units from Fort Knox and Fort Campbell take part. While not a Dept. of Defense sponsored event, both Army and Navy employees of "Team Crane" were excited at the chance to either volunteer to help or ride in the event.
The event was planned locally by bicyclists, many of whom work on the base, who have a passion for both putting on a challenging ride for cyclists as well as helping men and women who have already sacrificed for the country. The Ride 2 Recovery organization hosts bicycle rides for disabled warriors across the country every year. Funds raised at Honor Ride Crane for the troop-support group will be put toward "spinning recovery labs" and outdoor cycling programs at warrior transition units across the country.
Adding to the patriotic feel of the day were hundreds of American flags that lined the road from the starting area onto NSA Crane. The flags were set up by Larry Eckhardt, who uses them at military funerals to honor Service members who are killed in action.
Volunteers did everything from registering cyclists, to stuffing the promotional packets the riders received, to standing along the route to ensure safety and security on base were always observed.
Established Oct. 1977, CAAA maintains ordnance professionals and infrastructure in order to receive, store, ship, produce, renovate and demilitarize conventional ammunition, missiles and related components. The Army activity is a subordinate of the Joint Munitions Command and is located on Naval Support Activity Crane.
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