Letters

It’s that time of year when we reflect on our blessings and give thanks.

By all measures, Soldier Ride — The Hamptons was a great success. The number of riders increased over 150 percent. Donations increased by over 110 percent.

This year marked the 20th anniversary of Soldier Ride, an event that had its origins locally, at the Stephen Talkhouse. In the 20 years since it began, Soldier Ride has transformed the way our injured veterans recover through the shared bonds of physical activity and engaging with our communities.

The Soldier Ride Committee would like to thank the Town of East Hampton, Town of Southampton, Village of East Hampton, Village of Sag Harbor, Town of East Hampton Police Department, East Hampton Village Police Department, Sag Harbor Village Police Department, East Hampton American Legion Post 419 in Amagansett, Chelberg & Battle American Legion Auxiliary Unit 388 in Sag Harbor, Tuckahoe School District’s teachers and students, The Stephen Talkhouse, Hopefully Forgiven (musicians), Rich Valich, Mike and Gerard Turza for providing military vehicles, Hampton Chutney Company, One Stop Market, Indian Wells lifeguards, Scout Troop 298, Vicki’s Veggies, Amagansett Square, Montauk Beer and Soda, and the Metro Parrot Head Club.

Special thanks to the Amagansett Fire Department for providing the event venue and for tending to the grills at the post-ride barbecue.

This was, indeed, a community event that included the welcome dinner at The Clubhouse, community members riding alongside our veterans, folks cheering the riders along the route, volunteers staffing water stops, greeting the riders at Marine Park in Sag Harbor, serving the barbecue upon the riders return to the Amagansett Fire Department grounds, and serving dinner at Amagansett Square that evening.

From Montauk to Tuckahoe, it’s the community that makes this event a success every year.

Soldier Ride — The Hamptons No. 21 takes place on Saturday, July 19. Mark it on those new calendars!

Joe Lombardi

Soldier Ride — The Hamptons Committee