Annapolis (April 21, 2008) - County Executive John R. Leopold welcomes the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride, called the "White House to the Light House Ride," on April 25th and 26th. The County Executive will serve a lunch hosted by the Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails on Friday, April 25, at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park for over 25 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, along with support personnel from Walter Reed Hospital, who are participating in the event "I am honored to serve these veterans who have so selflessly served our country," said County Executive Leopold. "But more so, I hope that this event will raise public awareness and funds for those veterans who have been severely injured in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other world hot spots during the current war on terrorism." The three-day cycling event begins April 24 in Washington, D.C. with an opening ceremony and tour of the White House. The ride route continues to Walter Reed Army Medical Center and on to Columbia, Maryland. On April 25th, the tour cycles from Rash Field in Baltimore City down the Gwynns Falls and BWI Trails. The tour travels along the scenic B&A trail and concludes at Jonas Green Park in Annapolis. The final tour day, April 26th, begins and ends at Jonas Green Park with a cycle tour through the United States Naval Academy and historic Annapolis. The White House to the Light House Ride is part of the Wounded Soldier project which provides key rehabilitation opportunities for wounded veterans. The Wounded Warrior Project also offers services and programs such as: employment counseling; advocacy initiatives; and combat stress seminars to aid in the transition from hospital bed to an independent productive life. For more information on the Soldier Ride, please call Mr. Woody Groton, Soldier Ride National Tour Director at (603) 727-1294; Mr. Bill Reed at (516) 795-8713; or Mr. Dave Dionne, Chief of Anne Arundel County Trails and Natural Areas at (410) 222-8820. Please visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org. | 
