Armed Forces Foundation and Blue Knights Motorcycle Club Ride To Support Injured Service Members

Business Wire, June 16, 2008

Funds Raised Will Support the Day-to-Day Rehabilitation Expenses for Our Nation's Wounded Warriors

WASHINGTON -- In recognition of the tremendous sacrifices made by our military community, the Armed Forces Foundation and the Blue Knights of Maryland, Chapter IX, International Motorcycle Club, partnered to hold the 4th Annual Purple Heart Ride on Sunday, June 15th at 10am. The ride featured representatives from all five branches of the military and started at Freedom Park in Sykesville, Maryland, and ended at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

This year's ride raised over $17,000 which will be used to support the day-to-day expenses of wounded Service Members. All of the funds raised at the event will be donated to the Armed Forces Foundation, a national nonprofit operating under the Department of Defense's "America Supports You" program.

The event began at Freedom Park, in Sykesville, Maryland, where participants enjoyed food, music, and registered for the ride. At 10 a.m. approximately 260 riders departed from Freedom Park, led by a full motorcycle police escort.

Upon their arrival at Walter Reed, the riders were greeted by injured Service Members, their families, and members of the Armed Forces Foundation. The Blue Knights presented the Armed Forces Foundation with a check of the proceeds from the ride, and the foundation hosted a reception for the troops and riders.

For more information on the Purple Heart Motorcycle Ride or the Blue Knights of Maryland please visit http://www.bkmdix.org/Purple_Heart_Ride.html.> About Armed Forces Foundation:

In 2001 the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) was established as a 501(c)3 organization under the U.S. Department of Defense's America Supports You program. AFF offers vital assistance to active-duty and retired personnel, National Guard, Reserve Components and military families as they cope with difficult circumstances. Through a multitude of programs the Armed Forces Foundation assists military families with utilities and rent; hotel and travel costs; holiday gifts for military children; and therapeutic recreational activities. The Armed Forces Foundation has been recognized by the President of the United States, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Education and the Department of Energy for its dedication to America's Service Members.

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