W and the Warriors - The W100

How about some good news for a change?  Many of you have probably seen clips of the "Warrior 100k," but have you seen the pictures?  On a day when the news bring stories of turmoil in the Middle East, uncertainty in the economy, and bleak speculation about the country's future, from out in the West Texas desert comes a story of dedication, courage and inspiration. 

The "W100" is  100 kilometer bike ride in the Big Bend of Texas.  It is a part of the George W. Bush Presidential Center's Social Enterprise Initiative.   The "W"in the title stands for Warrior.    

Beginning yesterday, April 25, fourteen servicemen and women who were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan joined President George W. Bush for a 100 kilometer mountain bike ride in the Big Bend.
  

 The W100  recognizes the bravery and physical strength of those warriors who were wounded in Afghanistan  and Iraq during operations Enduring Freedom and  Iraqi Freedom.  Bret Baier, Fox News' Special Report anchor will  be joining the president and the warriors on the ride. 

The W100 is also an opportunity to highlight the good work of those organizations which provide support to the U.S. Military.  The Challenged Athletes Foundation, Ride 2 Recovery, World T.E.A.M. Sports, and Wounded Warrior Project have partnered with the W100 in this unprecedented event. 

One may or many not agree with Mr. Bush's  policies during his eight years in office, but there is one thing that we are sure that can never be doubted and that was his love for the United States of America, and his respect and admiration for our men and women in Uniform.  Asked by Bret Baier what he missed most about not being president, he answered without hesitation:  "Being Commander in Chief!"  He noted that he did not miss Washington D.C. but he did miss being able to interact with the troops.  Some readers might recall that after the Ft. Hood tragedy in 2009, President and Mrs. Bush were the first dignitaries to arrive to visit the wounded, express their concern, and wish them all well.

We've taken the liberty to use the photos that were posted on Mr. Bush's page on Facebook.  We're sure that many have seen them but many more have not.  The ride through Big Bend State Park is not an easy one.  The road is rough and rocky and the terrain is challenging and the views and sunsets are spectacular.  It's hot and dry now in Texas  and the temperatures are in the 90s.  Tomorrow's high will be 97 degrees.  The W100 began on Monday with a 12 mile (19.4 km) ride in the heat of the day. A grueling 30 mile (48.3 km) ride followed on Tuesday, and  President Bush and the warriors will finish up the last 20 miles (32.3 km) on Wednesday.

To read more about the W100, see more pictures and videos, and to meet the riders please go to www.100k.com .  We thank President Bush for making the Warriors 100k the first event of his Social Enterprise Initiative.  We can't think of a better beginning than to acknowledge those brave men and women who gave so much of themselves in the service of their country.  God Bless each and every one of them and God Bless the United States of America.

Two Sisters.