AFA's Wounded Airman Program Receives Immense Support from Air Force Association Cycling Classic

ARLINGTON, Va., June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Force Association's Wounded Airman Program (WAP) was the designated beneficiary for this year's Air Force Association Cycling Classic, held June 7-8, 2014, in Arlington, Va. At a ceremony held Saturday, June 7, 2014, AFA received a check for $20,000 in support of WAP initiatives. The funds were raised through pledges made by those participating as part of Team Sabre in the Cycling Classic's Challenge Ride as well as individual donations.

The 2014 AFA Cycling Classic was held in partnership with Arlington Sports, Inc., a business dedicated to the promotion and development of professional and amateur cycling. The annual event, sponsored by The Boeing Company, encouraged cyclists of all abilities to participate in its various events, which included competitive and noncompetitive races – for professionals and amateurs and adults and kids!

Individuals and corporate teams helped raise the funds for WAP.

Nearly 1,800 riders participated in this year's two-day event, and it had more than 55 individual and corporate fundraisers.

Lockheed Martin received the Thales Corporate Challenge Team Award for being the top fundraising team, raising nearly $4,500. Clinton Randolph received the Team Sabre Top Fundraiser title for individual fundraising, raising more than $1,300.

This year, AFA invited three airmen, all active participants in the Air Force Wounded Warrior community, to participate in the weekend events. Capt. Mitchell Kieffer, a Purple Heart recipient for Traumatic Brain Injury; SSgt. Melissa Garcia, a breast cancer survivor; and SSgt. Daniel Crane, now medically retired after a shooting that left him with loss of function in his right arm and hand, helped demonstrate how cycling and other adaptive sports have played a role in their journey to recovery, from injury or illness to rehabilitation. They all serve as mentors to other wounded, ill, or injured airmen. AFA gives a special thanks to the Key Bridge Marriott, in Arlington, Va., for hosting the airmen.

"It's truly an honor to host this event each year and see cycling enthusiasts, local businesses, and the Arlington community come together in support of our Wounded Airman Program," said Craig McKinley, AFA's President. "Additionally, this year's participation from the Air Force Wounded Warrior community was immensely important as each airman illustrates strong resiliency, inspiring their families and other wounded warriors. With this event, the airmen helped demonstrate how sports and other activities assist in improving quality of life in ways modern medical treatments can't."

AFA's Wounded Airman Program began in 2011 to provide care to airmen where needed. Using its network of chapters and members, and resources through restricted fundraising, the WAP supports the work of the Air Force Wounded Warrior office and aims to fulfill needs for equipment, care, and quality of life items for wounded airmen, under the expanded definition of seriously ill, wounded, or injured. As WAP is operated and administered by AFA, 100% of donations made by individuals restricted to use for the WAP goes directly to supporting the nearly 3,400 wounded airmen on record. For more information, click here.

The AFA Cycling Classic is proudly presented by The Boeing Company. Supporting sponsors include: Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Navy Federal Credit Union, Crystal City BID, USAA, Clark Construction, Thales, and Triple Canopy. For a full list of sponsors and media partners please visit: www.cyclingclassic.org/sponsors.

For more information on the AFA Cycling Classic, please visit www.cyclingclassic.org.  

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 100,000 members. Visit AFA at www.afa.org.

CONTACT: Bridget Dongu 703-247-5818, [email protected]

SOURCE Air Force Association