McCook extends 'warm' welcome to wounded warriors

Linda Maiden, top photo, local State Farm agent and her grandchildren, Avery Stritt and Ricky Filon, greet Rory McCarthy as he completes day 31 of a 64-day ride across the United States. Other riders, including Ambassador Paul "Jerry" Bremer, far left, welcome the shade of the canopy at McCook's Days Inn while Dale Stewart, owner of the Chief Restaurant carries in a bowl of fruit for the riders, who relax in the air conditioned lobby at Days Inn, enjoying refreshments supplied by the Chief, Walmart and Schmick's Market. Homemade desserts were provided by Mary Frandsen, Dennis Kennely, Frannie Chambers and Cheryl Collins. [Click to enlarge]

McCOOK, Nebraska -- With temperatures in the eighties and a humidity level between 59 and 67 percent, riders and support personnel for the State Farm Sea to Shining Sea, might have wondered what kind of a reception they were getting from Nebraska.

They didn't need to worry.

From the arrival of the first cyclists at a little past 4 p.m., Monday to the last rider pulling in just before 6 p.m., each rider and support vehicle was greeted with flags waving and cheers all along the way.

The reception under the canopy at Days Inn underscored the community's support of the wounded warriors, the "shepherds" that cycle beside them, World T.E.A.M. Sports and the sponsoring agency, State Farm Insurance.

Each of the riders, obviously exhausted, hot and sweaty after an 85-mile ride in from Wray, Colorado, were, nevertheless, gracious and appreciative of the crowd, exchanging high fives with the youngsters and firm handshakes with veterans of many ages.

Robert Butts of Palisade, a disabled veteran of Vietnam, was among the first in line to congratulate the riders.

"I heard about the ride on the radio and knew I had to be here," he said. "What they're doing is admirable.

"Anyone who could do this has got my heart."

Among The wounded warriors making the trek are civilian riders, both able-bodied and handicapped, referred to on the ride as "shepherds."

Rory McCarthy of Bath, Maine, is one of the shepherds. He was among the first cyclists to complete the run in his recumbent bicycle and was all smiles and graciousness as he explained how a ride like this is possible.

"It takes the entire team," he stressed. "It is a grueling ride and the last 5-7 miles today really presented a challenge.

Taking a healthy swallow of Gatorade, he continued, "This provides each of us, whether a wounded warrior or not, with the chance to challenge ourselves and to excel."

After only a few moments of rest, McCarthy, assisted by team support members from State Farm, got into his wheelchair and continued to cheer each rider as they entered the canopy.

Sergeant Marc Esposito, combat controller in Air Force Special Operations, developed an immediate fondness for the pecan pie cookies, admitting that he had to stop himself "after three. I really want everyone else to have the chance to enjoy at least one."

Esposito was injured in Afghanistan by an IED, suffering critical injuries. When the Special Forces medic found him, he was unconscious and on fire. "My legs were in all different positions," he explained. Surgeries and recovery were hard work, but he credits the care he got in the field and at Walter Reed and Brook Army Medical Center for his recovery.

It's hard to explain how suddenly life can change, he said. One minute you're completely independent, healthy, whole and the next you're completely dependent on others. "It flips your life upside-down," he said.

For Esposito, it's all about motivation -- from the other riders, from the welcomes they're getting along the way and also to provide motivation to others.

"Hopefully, that motivation will carry on down the line, get guys out of bed, show people that their lives aren't over."

Esposito also shared that the riders have no regrets. The ride across the country has, in some ways, clarified the mission that wounded him.

"The reception has been great. We've received a lot of thank yous, and we're not used to that.

"We come to places like this and see people who don't have to live in fear, the children playing -- they're not worried about IEDs. This is the thank you."

Among the riders Monday was Ambassador Paul Bremer, who oversaw the reconstruction of Iraq from May 2003 to June 2004.

Linda Maiden and Kristie Winters, State Farm agents in McCook, made the local arrangements and provided breakfast for the team when they left McCook Tuesday morning. The Patriot Riders, McCook Police Department and the McCook Fire Department provided an escort out of town.

From McCook, the riders continued on to Holdrege, and are due to arrive in Lincoln Friday. The ride ends Saturday, July 24, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

For more information go online to http://s2ssbikeride.org/