LUSK - When does 46+1983+22 add up to aid for veterans, active military and military families? When the Naval Academy class of 1983 makes up their minds that it does. The class of 1983 met for their 35th class reunion five years ago and decided to attempt a cross-continent bicycle ride for their 40th to raise funds for the Naval Academy Foundation. The initial plan was that each person who wanted to ride would need to donate a minimum of $1,983.00 of their own money to participate, along with paying their own expenses during the 3,423 mile route. This idea grew and expanded, taking on a life of its own and over the course of planning the massive event 19 more charities that support veterans, active military and military families were added. Each of the core riders (those doing the entire length of the ride) have a charity they have identified and are riding to raise money for in addition to the foundation.

In total, it is anticipated that 46 riders will be participating along the way from Whidby Island, Washington to Annapolis, Maryland.

The group planned a route that is largely along highways avoiding interstates as much as possible. This meant that on days 21 and 22 of their journey they would pass through Lusk and Van Tassell. Wyoming held true to her nature and they encountered high winds (head winds to boot) and cloudy skies when leaving Riverton headed for Casper and then Lusk. They managed to beat the majority of the major thunder and rain storm that pelted Niobrara county on Sunday, September 10 but did embark with chilly temps on Monday the 11 with a high of 48 as they rolled out.

Each day starts with a round of 22 pushups based on the 22 Pushup Challenge started in 2012. 22 is the average daily number of military servicemen and women and family members that commit suicide across the U.S. In addition to bringing this issue to light and reminding people of the programs that are available to help those who are suicidal or impacted by suicide, the group hopes to remind themselves, and others to call up and connect even after they are no longer actively serving. As Colonel Alan Mangan says, “We need to continue to look out for each other.” Following the round of pushups the riders were escorted out of town by Lusk Fire Department representatives Ryan Meng and Mike Mayville.

By the time they arrived for their first stop in Van Tassell the temps hadn’t improved much (only to 50) but the sun was trying to push through the clouds. The wind had died down which made for a much easier start that the previous two days.

In Van Tassell at the Ferdinand Brandstetter American Legion Post #1 the riders were welcomed with cinnamon rolls and coffee prepared by the VFW Auxiliary. Post commander Ed Tirado, Chaplain and Van Tassell Mayor Bill Matthews and other members of the post all spoke to the group of riders. The auxiliary ladies also provided sack lunches for each of the riders to fuel them for their journey.

The cyclists enjoyed learning about the history of the post and emphasized their appreciation for the hospitality shown to them at this tiny western town of, as Bill Matthews stated, “Sixteen today I think.”

Group spokesman Dixon Smith gave a brief overview of their journey to this point. The entire ride is expected to take 44 days if they are able to stay on schedule. This core group of riders had hoped to raise $250,000 and had already surpassed that already raising $350,00.00 before they had even reached the half way point.

As a whole, the class has a ten-year goal of raising $1,983,000.00 for the foundation and other charities. Another rider, Glenn Woodruff, explained that the military academies and military support do not operate in a vacuum and there is a misperception about how the academies and support groups are funded. They rely largely on donations and fundraisers to provide the programs and services that help support veterans, active servicemen and women and their families. The charities range from The Gary Sinise Foundation to Samaritan’s Purse to ChaplainCare. Each charity plays a crucial part in keeping our military members and their families mentally, emotionally and physically healthy.

If individuals or companies are interested in supporting the group or following their journey you can visit www.navy-cycling.com. On the website are links for their twitter, facebook and instagram feeds as well as more information about the various charities and foundations, a daily blog and map with schedule.

Just as service member doesn’t function without support neither are the riders. They are lead by a caravan of support vehicles, largely driven by spouses and given daily updates from several groups riding ahead of them along with friends and contacts along the way This includes contacts that have become friends. Every stop, particularly those in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska has been coordinated through a series of phone calls and coincidences that continue to astonish those participating.

The group also hopes to bring a message of support for all branches of the military as they raise awareness on their ride. Their website states, “We hope this effort brings joy and hope for the future of the United States of America to all we encounter along the route, and thank you for anything you can do to honor this great nation that we’ve served together.” At its heart, the class of ’83 is a good group of men and women who are continuing to serve their country in whatever capacity they can while maintaining the camaraderie that was developed while attending the Naval Academy and serving together.