Memorial Ride Cruises Through Gettysburg
Gettysburg Times Staff Writer Jess Haines covers Team Jesse. Two bicyclists pedaling across the country to raise money to benefit families of fallen soldiers took time to tour the Gettysburg National Military Park Wednesday before continuing north to New York City in time for the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Kevin Mincio and Matt Sauri are two friends from the West Coast who started riding from Santa Rosa, Calif. on June 9. The ride, supported by the Team Jesse Foundation, is a continuation of a promise Mincio made to his friend, SSG Jesse L. Williams, before he left on his second tour of duty in Iraq in 2006.
Williams had recently become a father to Amaya, and asked Mincio to look after his daughter financially if he were to die in combat. Unfortunately, that day came on April 8, 2007, and Mincio is making good on his promise, both for Amaya, and for other families.
"We're raising money and awareness," said Mincio of the cross country ride. The mission of the Team Jesse Foundation is "to provide education and support to families of fallen soldiers."