By Richard Rhinehart
Holbrook, New York, March 16, 2017 – National non-profit World T.E.A.M. Sports announced today that Veteran Corps of America, the O’Fallon, Illinois veteran-owned and managed federal contractor, is returning as a sponsor of the organization’s inclusive April 28-30 Face of America bicycle and hand cycle ride to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Honoring the many sacrifices military veterans have made in their service to their nation, Face of America brings together more than 600 riders of all ages, backgrounds and abilities from across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. The athletes cycle together on scenic country routes to the historic Civil War battlefields from Valley Forge, Pennsylvania and Arlington, Virginia. Joining the two-day rides of 120 and 110 miles, respectively, will be more than 160 adaptive military veterans who will ride upright, recumbent and hand cycles. These veteran athletes live with paralysis, amputation, blindness, Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injuries.
Veteran Bobby C. Williams is riding Face of America with the Veteran Corps team again in 2017. “Being a combat veteran, it never ceases to amaze me at the strength and will power of my fellow veterans,” he said. “It is through their strength and comradery that enables an old fat guy like me to complete this daunting, difficult and yet still fun task.”
Michael Kiess, a Navy veteran who serves as Director of Quality Assurance at Veteran Corps, is also returning this April. For Kiess, the completion of the ride is only part of the story. “I continue to be inspired by the support I witness each year,” he said. “Friends who drive service animals to each stop so the dogs can be there for their partners who are riding. Mechanics who start at 4 a.m. and are busy all day getting bikes and riders back on the road. Escort motorcycles and the police who get us safely through traffic and calm the few motorists who get impatient. Volunteers who make me feel welcome at every rest stop. The many acts of service and respect remind me that this event honors heroes of all types.”
When Bill and John Wheeler founded Veteran Corps in 2005, they wanted to create a company that was something more than just another government contractor. Instead, they recognized their family’s strong military heritage and decided to actively support men and women who have sacrificed much in their support of the United States. Veteran Corps’ ongoing efforts to hire veterans, contribute time, and to provide funds to national and local organizations supportive of veterans and their families helps define the company.
As a part of their continuing support of Face of America and the participating riders, Veteran Corps brings their unique rally car each year. In addition to allowing ride participants to examine this interesting vehicle, the company also provides athletes a treat at the end of the first day’s ride. “We’re giving out the Rally Bags again with the sacred Chamois Buttr” said Carolanne O’Neil, Veteran Corps Art and Marketing Manager.
Williams, who travels from the St. Louis, Missouri area each year for Face of America, believes that participating athletes benefit most from building meaningful friendships during the two day journey. “I do what I do as the Ozark Chapter President for our community, soldiers, civilians and most importantly, our veterans,” he said. “Unless you have been there, it is hard to explain the bond that is created between veterans and especially those who have served in combat. The key is to develop new and to sustain old relationships, while preserving our history and recording new.”
The 2017 Face of America is presented by Capital One Bank and supported through sponsorship and partnerships from several leading companies including American Portfolios Financial Services, Benson Botsford LLC, Booz Allen Hamilton, Brioni, CYCLEBAR Columbia Pike, Dell, Devens Recycling, FreshBikes, KT Tape, Penske Truck Rental, Rescue 22, Sila, SUBWAY of the Walter Reed National Military Center, Three Wire Systems, TORRE Consulting Services, Vedder Price and Veteran Corps of America.
About Veteran Corps of America
The Veteran Corps of America (VCA) is an industry leader in providing the full spectrum of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) products and services; logistics and warehousing; IT products and solutions; training and simulation; and strategic program management. VCA’s mission is to offer exceptional services to our clients that consistently exceed customer satisfaction. We achieve this through responsive, intelligent, proactive, customer-focused support in all of our partnerships. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), we are committed to supporting veterans and their family members through veteran advocacy and support. VCA was founded on a family military legacy, inspired by six-year Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1964-1970), General Earle G. Wheeler. Today, three-fourths of VCA employees are decorated military veterans or immediate family members of those who have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. “We are Veteran Enabled!” is more than a company motto, it guides us in our daily approach and work ethic. We are proud to support organizations that value the ongoing service and sacrifice of military veterans and their families.
