OHT Blog: 43 Leads the Way for Bush Institute Warrior 100K Ride
“Let us Ride!”
The opening remarks from Former President George W. Bush, at The 2019 Bush Institute Warrior 100K Ride, were warm and heartfelt. The day was sunny and bright; the temperatures were perfect for those both riding and cheering. And can I just say? We. Were. On. George. And. Laura. Bush’s. Ranch!
What an incredible honor for Founder of Operation Hat Trick, Dot Sheehan, and for me, the newest OHT Board Member, to attend. We’ll never forget the stories, grit, dedication, smiles, hugs, and celebration of strength and healing.
Operation Hat Trick has donated more than $1.3M to organizations that support the mission of supporting, funding, and generating awareness for the recovery of America’s wounded service members and veterans. Named after Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, two Navy SEALs who trained together, fought to-gether, and died together, OHT shares a dedication to do all that we can to attain resources and services for those who most deserve them — our vets. OHT began when Dot was simply listening to the radio on her way to work on morning. On the air was a trivia contest. The question she heard involved service men and women with head injuries - and what they most wanted. The answer? A baseball cap. Simply — a baseball cap.
And thus it began. To attend this extraordinary event with true heroes - and to donate the hats for President Bush and all who rode with him - was a gift for us that day.
What’s for Dinner?
Have you ever wondered what the President and Mrs. Bush serve for dinner? The weekend started off with a casual and comfortable dinner at The Phoenix Restaurant in Waco, Texas. I couldn’t help but smile a bit when I sat down to my place setting and studied the calligraphy-printed menu: fried chicken with all the fixings. But of course — Perfect choice, Mr. President! While the food and sweet treats were certainly delicious, what was most memorable of the evening were the personal stories that several warriors shared. One vet spoke of suicide involving her squad leader and best friend; now, her mission is to reduce suicide among her fellow veterans. Another vet stood to share how his platoon was ambushed with mortar and small arms fire in Amariyah District of western Baghdad. As is often the case, the physical injuries healed - enough - but for him, the effects of post-traumatic-stress linger today. We listened to personal narratives involving traumatic brain injuries, loss of limbs, and both balance and vision problems. Almost every personal story involved post-traumatic stress. But what was the other common ground we heard?
Rebuilding, goal setting, serving on a school board, participating in the Warrior or Invictus Games, serving on a SWAT Team, being a detective, serving as a Chief of Staff for an NPO, serving as VP of Business Development, — and, of course, riding. At this event, another common denominator was the love of nature and mountain biking; exercise is a healer, and mountain biking in this case is one of the many tools in their toolboxes of rebuilding, healing, and moving forward. When President Bush ended his opening remarks at the ranch, he simply declared, “Let us ride!”
It wasn’t all about getting to the finish line.
This day was about far more. This was …
A ride to — strength.
A ride to — freedom from PTS.
A ride to — healing.
A ride to — connecting with others and not isolating.
A ride to — rehabilitation from a period of time when they gave so very much of themselves.
A ride to — laughs, fun, high fives, attaboy’s and attagirl’s and
A ride to — release just a little bit more of the trauma they have endured.
From the Sidelines:
 Dot Sheehan, President Bush, Colleen and Dave Seymour |
Peanut Butter and Jelly to Go, Please
Dot and I drove the ranch with our warm and fun new driver-friend, Cliff Zimmer. Now, according to him, fried chicken isn’t Bush’s only “favorite.” You see, Cliff is Bush’s Chef and House Manager at The Ranch, and the ever-inquisitive one here had to ask the questions: Bush’s most requested meal? A good burger and chips. And for a road trip? Per shared request, Cliff always packs for the couple - you guessed it — good ol’ PB and J’s.
Grace.
In her bright red fall coat and smile, Mrs. Bush didn’t miss one minute. She was right there, greeting people all afternoon, and ultimately sharing the luncheon in the festive tents filled with delicious food from Mission BBQ. The entire Mission BBQ team drove from Florida to Texas to prepare and share this incredible feast. The donations that made it all come to life: the food, the t-shirts, the Operation Hat Trick hats, drinks, hotel rooms, bikes, gear, flights, and financial support for so much more — all free for the participants to simply enjoy. But of course, it all wouldn’t have been possible without the incredibly warm and accommodating staff including Betsy Martin and The Bush Center Team. With absolutely no stone left unturned, this event could not have been more meticulously planned. Ultimately, however, President and Mrs. Bush’s decision to open their private ranch to all of us was a true high-light for the riders, their families, and for those of us who supported this day of triumph.
As is most often the case, when we choose to give, to donate our time, resources, hugs, eye contact, financial support or even, quite simply, baseball hats, it is we who often gain the most. What a gift it was to see with my own eyes the outcomes of dedication to service and country. What a gift it was to cheer for men and women - and their families - who have shared so much of themselves. What a gift it was to spend time in Crawford, Texas with President and Mrs. Bush on their beautiful ranch.
With gratitude to all who have served, and continue to serve - and to their families - we wish you Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy, Healthy New Year!
Valerie Wilson first met Dot Sheehan and Donna and Steven Hardy, parents of Nathan Hardy when she worked for a company that partnered with Operation Hat Trick in 2010. She visited Arlington National Cemetery and spent the day at The Walter Reed Hospital with them. Meeting men and women who were beginning the slow process of healing from very recent wounds and amputations birthed a new passion for Val, and almost a decade later, she proudly joins the Board of OHT.
