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Three Cyclists Complete 3200 Mile TransAmerica Ride for Children of...

Three cyclists will arrive in Virginia Beach, Va., on Friday, June 20 after riding their bicycles some 3,200-miles across the United States to raise funds for the children of fallen Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel.

Mayor of Virginia Beach, Meyera E. Oberndorf, will greet the cyclists at a ceremony in their honor on Friday at 2 pm at the park on the corner of 17th Street and Atlantic Ave. This ceremony is open to the public.

Three friends, Sean McConnell, Richard Graham and James Campbell, set out from San Diego on May 17, and headed east on their bicycles hoping to raise $50,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides free college scholarship grants, not loans, to the surviving children of fallen special operations personnel killed in combat or training. The grants cover tuition, books, fees, room and board.

Traveling approximately 70 miles per day, the cyclists endured unforgiving terrain and inclement weather during their travels, barely escaping tragic flooding and tornadoes in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. Along the way, they also shared numerous moments of joy and exhilaration.

All along the route, in small towns and big cities, the cyclist received encouraging words and tributes from supportive Americans. In the cities of Phoenix, Albuquerque, St. Louis and Louisville, the cyclists were greeted by the city Mayors and presented with proclamations in their honor, parades and special VIP treatment.

    

"The unselfishness of these three young men to keep the memories of our extraordinary American heroes alive is an inspiration to us all," said Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf.

"It is entirely fitting that they conclude their journey in Virginia Beach, as we are home to many special forces team members and their families - as well as to the surviving family members of too many who made the ultimate sacrifice. I look forward to standing together with Sean, Richard and James to acknowledge those brave souls we deeply respect, remember and honor."

For more than 27 years the Special Operations Warrior Foundation has provided college educations to the children of fallen special operations personnel. Currently there are 708 children in the Foundation's programs, with 120 students enrolled full-time in colleges across the country.

"My hope was to bring America together by participating in this event," said Graham, former Navy SEAL, "so when these children receive their college degrees it is more than just a piece of paper. It is a symbol of Americans standing by them and letting them know that the sacrifices their family made are not forgotten."

A fundraising celebration is being held on Saturday, July 21st at the Peppermint Beach Club in Virginia Beach from 4 pm - 7 pm. Donations are being accepted in lieu of a cover charge. The celebration will include several live bands and a silent auction. Must be at least 18 years old to enter and at least 21 years old to drink. Bring your ID card.

Donations can also be made in support of the "Special Operations Bike Tour" at the door on Saturday or online at

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