Warrior Meets Dolphin
Image Credit: Andy Newman, Florida Keys Bureau
Wounded Warriors are some of the toughest men and women you’ll ever have the privilege of meeting.
If you think that veterans who have lost hands, arms, legs and more would take a back seat to life’s exhilarating experiences, think again.
About 60 wounded military veterans received some “inspiration therapy” with adorable bottlenose dolphins during their Solider Ride in the Florida Keys.
“At Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys we really value the work our soldiers do to keep us safe, and this is our way of honoring their service,” said Rita Irwin, DRC president and CEO. “When the soldiers get into the water with the dolphins, they’re introduced to another being who’s interested in interacting with them … they just have this moment of connection and it opens up the possibilities that there’s joy to be had, for both the dolphins and the soldiers. It’s magic.”
But before getting to hang around with dolphins, the participants pedaled across the Seven Mile Bridge, the longest span of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.
Some riders even chose to use specially adapted bicycles to participate in support of their injured comrades.
This event, organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, raises public awareness and support for the needs of severely injured members of the military involved in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, provides rehabilitative opportunities and funds basic comfort items for wounded warriors upon their return to the U.S.
The strenuous bicycle ride is set to end in Key West on Sunday.
