By By EDWIN MODLIN II
Staff Writer
A Marine, who has family members living, in Beaufort County, is riding cross-country with veterans and supporters to help raise money for a Wounded Warriors fund.
Maj. Van Brinson is participating in Sea to Shining Sea, a cross-country bike ride with a group of able-bodied and disabled riders. Brinson’s mother, Norleen Brinson, lives in Washington. He is a graduate of Washington High School.
Brinson first became associated with World T.E.A.M. Sports during the inaugural Face of America Ride. Having seen the difference that athletics made in the lives of wounded service members, Brinson said, he became more involved with World T.E.A.M. Sports.
The group of riders began its journey in San Francisco on May 22, a journey that ends in Virginia Beach, Va., on July 24.
Brinson said he has been involved in the World T.E.A.M. Sports organization for a number of years.
“When this opportunity came up to ride along with these guys (veterans), I just couldn’t pass it up,” he said. “It’s too great of a thing to pass up, and I didn’t want to miss any of it.”
Brinson’s sister, Vaughna Galvin, said, “One way I’ve heard this group described is that ‘Most are vets — all are patriots.’”
She said the disabled riders include athletes with physical and/or traumatic injuries.
“The attention brought to this incredible event will help thousands,” Galvin said.
Galvin describes Sea to Shining Sea as a 4,000-mile bicycle ride across the United States by a team of patriotic Americans.
“The group is made up mostly of veterans disabled in war,” she said. “But also includes able-bodied supporters. It’s [S2SS] is hosted by World T.E.A.M. Sports, a leading nonprofit organization, to honor the courage of our military and the strength of the American spirit.
“The ride will provide dramatic proof that disabled Americans can lead productive lives and accomplish feats that are mere dreams for ordinary people. In fact, the national media will cover the ride and a full-length documentary will be made.”
World T.E.A.M. Sports is credited for conducting several events that give such wounded athletes an opportunity for achievement and camaraderie.
Brinson said riding with veterans who have been wounded in action provides him with inspiration.
“We have about 18 full-time riders who are going from coast to coast,” Brinson said. “Of course, there are different riders joining us all the time. They’ll ride along with us for a day or two.”
Brinson’s individual profile/donation is posted on the following Web site: www.s2ssbikeride.org/2010/05/van-brinson.
A core group of about 20 cyclists will ride the entire distance. That group includes injured military personnel and a few able-bodied cyclists. In addition, there will be several stage rides across key routes, during which other disabled or able-bodied riders will be encouraged to join the ride to show support for the project.
All profits from the ride will go to other athletic events World T.E.A.M. Sports runs for disabled Americans and Soldiers’ Angels, a leading support organization for U.S. military personnel.
Brinson, a Marine pilot, has participated in humanitarian assistance operations in East Timor and with the evacuation of the crew of the USS Cole. He has flown in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon his return from Iraq, he was selected for duty with the Presidential Helicopter Squadron, where he served for four years. He is now assigned to the operations department at the Marine Corps Air Facility at Quantico, Va. He will retire from the Marine Corps on Aug. 1.
He and his wife, Allyson, live in Alexandria, Va.. They are expecting their first child in August.
To learn more about Brinson and World T.E.A.M. Sports, visit www.s2ssbikeride.org.