FORT CARSON, Colo.--Members and guests of the Coast x Coast Foundation rode in on motorcycles to visit Soldiers and Families of the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Carson, Colorado Aug. 28, 2017 during the organization's annual "Ride for the Fallen" event.
The purpose of the stop was to honor Special Operations Soldiers who have been killed in action as well as recognize the sacrifices of Gold Star Family members.
"I think the most significant part of this ride is to incorporate as many of the Gold Star Families as possible, so we can share and celebrate their experiences," said Cris Valley, a former Green Beret and co-founder of the Coast x Coast Foundation. "My goal is to create a venue and avenue for them to be happy and celebrate, remember and honor whoever they've loved, they've lost due to the Global War on Terrorism."
Two Gold Star Family members from 10th Group were in attendance: Renie Gloyer, mother of Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Gloyer who was KIA Nov. 3, 2016 in Kunduz Province, Afghanistan, as well as Mackenzie Thomas, wife of Staff Sgt. Adam Thomas who was KIA Oct. 4, 2016 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. Both Soldiers were members of 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
The founders of the Coast x Coast Foundation presented Gloyer and Thomas with certificates to recognize their sacrifices as well as custom-made American flag plaques.
The ride began in California on August 25 at the Los Angeles National Cemetery and is scheduled to end on September 11 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
The Coast x Coast Foundation was created by two former Special Operations Soldiers, Cris Valley and Jason Buck in honor of their friend and colleague Ryan Savard. Savard was killed in action October 2012 in Northern Afghanistan.
The foundation's goals are to raise funds to help in providing medical care to Special Operations Soldiers who've been injured in combat and provide support to families who have had loved ones killed in action.
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