In an effort to support Ride 2 Recovery, a non-profit organization helping wounded warriors hurt in the Global War on Terror, more than 36 civilian fitness clubs throughout the U.S. participated in Spinning Nation 2010.

The nationwide spin-a-thons helped raise funds needed for the mental and physical rehabilitation of Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Airmen injured in the line of duty. 

Lt.j.g. Zach Scheel of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) participated in the ride, led by Michael Milam, father of the late Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Charles “Luke” Milam.

Milam was killed in action September 25, 2007, while conducting combat operations in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Scheel met the Milam family while working as the lead project manager of the newest barracks facility at the naval station, which was dedicated in their late son’s name on April 24, 2009. Scheel and [Mike] Milam have maintained a close relationship since the completion of the project.

“I met Mike while working on the barracks project and have stayed in touch with him ever since. His family has given so much to the military, so it was an honor to help Michael raise money to support a program near-and-dear to both our hearts,” Scheel said.

At the local event, held at a 24-hour fitness in Lake Forest Park, Washington where Milam is a certified spin instructor, approximately 30 riders participated in the two hour fundraiser. 

Staff Sgt. Gary Dawes, who was severely injured in the attack, which killed Milam, attended the event representing the Wounded Warrior Program at Camp Lejuene N.C., where he is currently stationed. Although he has endured more than 80 surgeries in the last 20 months, he completed the entire two-hour ride. 

Additional service members from area Army and Navy/Marine Corps Recruiting Stations also attended the event.

“It was real inspiration having Staff Sgt. Dawes, along with the other representatives from the other branches of the armed services at the event,” [Michael] Milam said. “You see these guys out here working hard, helping one another; it’s extraordinary,” he continued.

This is the first year Milam has lead the ride, but plans to continue the legacy next year. “I was hoping to get more people involved with the event, but I have to remind myself that this was only the first year. I’m proud of what we did I hope to grow it and make it better each year,” he continued.

More than 30,000 service members have been injured since the war on terror began in 2001.

For more information about Ride 2 Recovery, visit: http://www.Ride2Recovery.com{{PERIOD}}