AFA’s Wounded Airman Program Gets Support from 2013 Air Force Association Cycling Classic

The Air Force Association’s Wounded Airman Program was the designated sole beneficiary for this year’s Air Force Association Cycling Classic, held June 8-9, 2013 in Arlington, Va. At an awards ceremony held on Saturday, June 8, 2013, at the Air Force Memorial, AFA received a check for $18,500 raised through pledges made by those participating as part of Team Sabre in the AFA Cycling Classic.

TEAM MaD Dad, led by David Hallisey, received the Team Sabre Top Fundraiser title for the third year in a row. Lockheed Martin received the Navy Federal Credit Union Corporate Challenge Team Award for being the top fund-raising team.

The Saturday evening event also highlighted members from the Walter Reed Bethesda Cycling program, which aims to make a difference in the lives of recovering service members by assisting in their mental and physical rehabilitation programs through the use of cycling. Commander Hernán Altamar, an original member of the cycling program, uses his experience and passion for cycling to guide the nation’s first program of its kind in support of our Wounded Warriors.

“The Air Force Association is honored to be a part of this year’s Cycling Classic both in name and as the sole beneficiary of the event’s fundraising efforts,” said Craig McKinley, AFA President. “Our nation’s Airmen remain dedicated to defending our freedoms and providing national security for us all. We owe it to the men and women of the United States Air Force to take care of them when they return home in need of special assistance, and the AFA Wounded Airman Program allows us to fulfill that duty.”

The 2013 Air Force Association Cycling Classic consisted of two days of racing from cyclists of every level and ability. Professional men’s and women’s cycling teams from UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling, Jamis-Hagens Berman, and Team TIBCO took top spots on the podium in a series of criterium races throughout the weekend.

Riders also participated in a non-competitive ride on Sunday morning that started in Crystal City and passed by the Pentagon and Air Force Memorial. The United States Air Force won the Armed Forces Cycling Challenge after their riders completed the most laps out of all of the military branch teams.

“AFA is proud to join forces with the local cycling community in support of our Airmen,” said George Muellner, AFA Chairman of the Board. “Our Wounded Airman Program aims to provide both emotional and financial support to service members and their families as they continue on the road to recovery.”

The 2013 Air Force Association Cycling Classic was held in partnership with Arlington Sports, Inc, a business dedicated to the promotion and development of professional and amateur cycling. Riders had a variety of opportunities to participate throughout the weekend that catered to cycling enthusiasts of all abilities, from casual amateur to professional racers. For more information please visit www.cyclingclassic.org.

The Air Force Association Cycling Classic is proudly presented by The Boeing Company. We would also like to thank our supporting sponsors: Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Navy Federal Credit Union, CrystalCity BID, and Battlespace, Inc. for their assistance. For a full list of sponsors and media partners please visit: www.cyclingclassic.org/sponsors.