AFA's Wounded Airman Program Gets Support from Air Force Cycling Classic

ARLINGTON, Va., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Force Association's Wounded Airman Program was the designated principal beneficiary for this year's Air Force Cycling Classic, which was held June 9-10, 2012, throughout Arlington, Va. At a ceremony held Sunday, June 10, 2012, AFA received a check for $25,000, raised through pledges made by those participating as part of Team Sabre, Airmen Helping Airmen, to help support the program.  

"The Air Force Association is very pleased to have been selected as the principal beneficiary of the 2012 Air Force Cycling Classic," said Mike Dunn, AFA President and CEO. "The nation's airmen have been dedicated to the war on terrorism, humanitarian assistance around the world and providing national security for us all. We owe it to the men and women of the Air Force to take care of them when they return home in need of special assistance, and this program helps fulfill that duty."

It was earlier this year that AFA and its chapters established this program, through the Air Force Recovery Care Coordinators, to help care for wounded Airmen as they make their way from the front line to their home. The Wounded Airman Program helps ease their discomfort by offering a variety of both required and congenial items, ranging from immediate small sundries, gift cards, casual clothing, and entertainment to connection with larger support agencies for longer term support. It also works to provide support to family members to help assist in an airman's recovery and rehabilitation.

Arlington Sports, Inc., the organizers of the Air Force Cycling Classic, is dedicated to the development and promotion of amateur and professional cycling and is proud to use their events as a means to help various causes. Proceeds from each of their fundraising events go to designated beneficiaries. More than 1,700 riders participated in this year's two-day event, and it had more than 55 individual and corporate fundraisers.

AFA offers it gratitude to Arlington Sports, Inc.; Boeing, the presenting sponsor of this year's event; and the many other sponsors who have contributed to the success of the 2012 Air Force Cycling Classic.

As for the Wounded Airman Program, all donations to date go 100% to the initiative. For more information, click here.

The Air Force Association is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association. Our mission is to promote a dominant United States Air Force and a strong national defense, and to honor Airmen and our Air Force Heritage.  To accomplish this, we:

• EDUCATE the public on the critical need for unmatched aerospace power and a technically superior workforce to ensure U.S. national security.
• ADVOCATE for aerospace power and STEM education.
• SUPPORT the Total Air Force family and promote aerospace education.

AFA has 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing more than 108,000 members.  Visit AFA on the internet at www.afa.org.

SOURCE Air Force Association