Coordinated Local Support For Wounded Warrior Project Was Outstanding

To The Editor:

Lt. Mitch Horn and his detail of extraordinary deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department provided outstanding leadership and spectacular coverage for the recent Wounded Warrior Bike Ride. State Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol masterfully coordinated with the Sheriiff’s Office, as they constructed a protective umbrella that safely guarded these combat wounded veterans, as they rode bicycles to Key West.

VFW Post 10211 in Key Largo was the staging area for the start of this ride. Post members eagerly awaited their arrival with sumptuous snacks. They have been the bedrock upon which the participants of this yearly event begin their journey. These Purple Heart recipients were sent on their mission nourished and ready.

Dennis Ward, Gary Johnson and John Donnelly, along with a plethora of supportive citizens made certain that these Warriors were apropriately welcomed and prepared to start the day’s event.

As a Wounded Warrior himself, Mr. Donnelly went on the buses and individually welcomed each rider to the Florida Keys. The positive energy and gratitude projected towards these riders were palpable.

The Sheriff’s Department devised a brilliant strategy that safely and expeditiously moved the riders to Coral Shores High School. Inconvenience to the driving public was kept at a minimal. People gathered on the side of the road applauding and sharing words of encouragement with the riders as they passed by.

Assimilating and integrating a member of the Armed Forces back into civilian life, who endured five combat tours of duty in Iraqi and Afghanistan, one of which resulted in them being severely wounded, isn’t an easy task.

This type of activity for these men and women has proven to be an extremely valuable treatment, in restoring them back to a position where they can have a chance to once again enter the mainstream of life.

Sheriff Rick Ramsay is a giant among giants, when it comes to his support of the Wounded Warrior Project.

Sincerely,

Jessie Davis

Key Largo