America’s most inclusive and inspiring cycling challenge, Face of America: Gettysburg, returns to Arlington, Virginia, May 16–18, 2025, honoring the strength, sacrifice, and resilience of our nation’s veterans. This adaptive cycling event, hosted by World T.E.A.M. (The Exceptional Athlete Matters) and presented by the Osaic Foundation, brings military veterans, adaptive athletes, and civilians together for a powerful 110-mile journey from Crystal City to the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
At the heart of this year’s event is the inaugural Face of America Service Member of the Year Award, a new honor celebrating a military member—past or present—who has inspired the FOA community through extraordinary commitment, service, and impact. Whether an athlete, volunteer, or supporter, this individual embodies the values of teamwork, perseverance, and leadership that define both the military and the Face of America experience.
“Face of America is more than a cycling challenge—it’s a mission of unity and healing,” says Gregory Gadson, U.S. Army (Ret.), double amputee, FOA Global Ambassador, and board member for World T.E.A.M. “As a veteran, I see firsthand how this event empowers others, breaks down barriers, and reminds us all that we’re stronger together.”
Gadson’s inspiring story of military service and resilience has shaped the event’s culture. His memoir, Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Towards Peace and Purpose, continues to motivate fellow veterans and civilians alike. Last year, Gadson and NFL legend Brian Mitchell competed to be FOA’s top fundraiser, raising more than $99,000 for World T.E.A.M.’s inclusive programs.
“Riding alongside veterans like Greg Gadson is humbling,” says Mitchell. “Face of America is a chance to give back, ride with purpose, and honor those who’ve given everything for this country.”
With almost 300 riders and support from volunteers and sponsors, the event aims to raise more than $800,000 to fund adaptive and inclusive athletic programs for veterans living with disabilities—including those with paralysis, limb loss, blindness, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Traumatic Brain Injuries. Participants use everything from traditional road bikes to recumbent and hand cycle.
Communities along the route show deep appreciation for the veterans, with special celebrations in Frederick, MD, and a powerful finish at the World War II American Experience Museum in Gettysburg. Saturday evening’s festivities at the Frederick Fairgrounds will include food trucks, live music, and heartfelt moments of connection among riders.
“Every mile tells a story,” says Jon Brideau, President & CEO of World T.E.A.M. “From Arlington to Gettysburg, these veterans are not just riding—they’re leading. And with the new Service Member of the Year Award, we’re proud to highlight those who exemplify the spirit of this event.”
“The Osaic team and I are thrilled to participate in the 2025 Face of America cycling challenge, which will support the incredible mission of World T.E.A.M. and its work with adaptive athletes,” says Jeffrey Green, chairman of the Scottsdale-based Osaic Foundation. “The ride is an inspirational event in a beautiful setting and creates community, awareness, advocacy, and support for adaptive athletes of all kinds, including former servicemen and women. Osaic and the Osaic Foundation have long supported and sponsored World T.E.A.M., and our complementary values will be on full display during the ride.”
Face of America: Gettysburg is presented by Osaic Foundation, with additional support from Leidos, Capital One, Navy Federal Credit Union, Booz Allen Hamilton, Dell Technologies, Forescout, Restoration Capital, Network Designs Inc., KPMG, Boulder Crest Foundation, Vets’ Retreat Virginia, Penske, and Mt. Airt Bicycle Company. The ride serves as a living tribute to the power of inclusion, the enduring strength of veterans, and the unbreakable bond forged through shared challenge.
About World T.E.A.M.
World T.E.A.M. brings adaptive and able-bodied athletes together by empowering, enabling and engaging individuals through inclusive athletic programs. For more than a quarter century, our organization has used athletics to challenge men, women and children with disabilities to accomplish goals they never thought possible. In all our programs we include both adaptive and able-bodied participants. For more information, visit www.worldteamsports.org.
About Osaic Foundation
Launched in 2023, the Osaic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation registered in Arizona. Its mission is to empower lives through experiential events that build thriving communities, education support that enriches financial literacy, and workforce development that increases diverse representation. It supports hands-on, grant-supported volunteerism across the country by employees of Osaic, Inc., and its affiliated financial professionals and staff. Osaic is a portfolio company of Reverence Capital Partners and one of the nation’s largest providers of wealth management strategies and solutions, supporting nearly 11,000 financial professionals. Osaic’s mission is to empower entrepreneurial advisors to build thriving businesses and fulfill their clients’ dreams. For more information, visit www.osaic.com.
