The Orange Coast HOGS 13th Annual Injured Warrior Appreciation Run (IWAR) Returns to Benefit Warrior Foundation Freedom Station on Sunday, October 6
Hundreds of Patriotic Motorcycle Riders Hit-the-Road for the 72-mile Journey from Irvine, CA to Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial in San Diego
SAN DIEGO – The Orange Coast Harley Owners Group, will host the 72-mile 13th Annual Injured Warrior Appreciation Run (IWAR) from the Orange County Harley-Davidson in Irvine to Mt. Soledad Veteran’s Memorial in San Diego to benefit Warrior Foundation Freedom Station on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
The event will feature more than 150 to 200 flag-flying bikers in a visually stunning, patriotic ride stretching for miles. Proceeds from the IWAR ride benefits Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, a non-profit organization that provides support services and transitional housing to our nation’s ill and injured military heroes.
“It’s truly an honor to support such a wonderful organization. This year’s IWAR ride is even more special to our riding group, as Warrior Foundation Freedom Station is celebrating its 20th anniversary and Mt Soledad National Veteran’s Memorial turns 75.” said Brian Weiske, Director, Orange Coast HOG chapter. “We can’t think of a better cause than to help WFFS assist Warriors returning home who have bravely served for our country.”
The ride starts at 7 a.m. from the Orange County Harley-Davidson in Irvine (Orange County Harley Davidson 8677 Research Dr., Irvine, CA 92618) and concludes at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial in San Diego (6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South, La Jolla, CA 92037). As one of the most unique veterans’ memorials in the United States, the memorial stands high on La Jolla’s Mt. Soledad and pays tribute to more than 5,200 U.S. Veterans.
“The annual Injured Warrior Appreciation Ride, organized by the Orange Coast Harley Owners Group, is an event we look forward to every year. There’s nothing quite like the sight (and sound!) of more than 200 Harley riders circling the Memorial, rallying together from across Southern California to honor our veterans and raise funds for Warrior Foundation Freedom Station here in San Diego.” Said Neil O’Connell, Executive Director, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. “We look forward to giving every one of them a warm welcome and all our support toward such a meaningful cause.”
This year will also be a first for an adjoining ride with Biggs HOG and San Diego HOG members. The line-up/registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and the ride departs at 9:45 a.m. from 188 Knoll Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069.
During the 12-year history, more than 2,000 riders have participated and traveled 500+ miles in the IWAR Rides. Since its inception in 2012, Orange Coast HOGS have supported Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. All motorcycles makes and models are welcome to participate in the ride. Riders may purchase a Single Rider ticket on a bike ($40), or a Rider and Passenger ticket ($30 each) for two people. Registration includes a ride pin, patch and lunch at the destination. For more information on the event, registration or sponsorship visit www.injuredwarriorride.com or email OCHOGs at sponsorship@ochog.org.
“The Orange Coast HOGS have been an amazing partner and incredible advocates of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station during the past 13 years,” said Sandy Lehmkuhler, CEO and Founder of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. “Each year the IWAR event seems to be bigger and better than the last. A huge thank you to all the riders and the Orange Coast HOGS for all their generous support yet again in 2024!”
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial stands high atop the coastal peak of La Jolla’s Mt. Soledad and offers panoramic views of the city in every direction. Recognized as one of the nation’s most unique veterans memorials, its mission is to honor our nation’s veterans by preserving their legacy. It is the only memorial that recognizes those who’ve sacrificed in defense of our freedom, living or deceased. More than 6,000 individual tributes, beautifully engraved on black granite plaques, are mounted on 11 curved walls encircling the base of the 29’ cross at its center. For more information about Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, visit www.soledadmemorial.org or contact executive director, Neil O’Connell.
For more information about the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, to volunteer or donate, visit WarriorFoundation.org.