Easterseals Redwood’s annual Honor Ride returns Aug. 23 to Miami Whitewater Forest (9001 Mt. Hope Road, Harrison, Ohio), offering the community an opportunity to support local military veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The need for support is growing. The organization has seen a 20% increase in calls to its Military and Veteran Services Resource Line in recent months. In response, Easterseals Redwood – a nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and adults with disabilities, military veterans, and individuals facing adversity – continues its year-round mission to connect the men and women who served with vital resources and a network of care.

Registration for Honor Ride starts at $25 and includes a commemorative Honor Ribbon to honor your veteran or active-duty service member. All ribbons with heroes’ names will be read aloud in an Honor Ribbon ceremony prior to the ride starting. Honor Ribbons will be carried in a pack by veterans on the ceremonial ride and then will be mailed back to purchasers around Veterans Day. Riders are encouraged to create a team and fundraise to support local veterans. Anyone is welcome to create a fundraising team even if they aren’t riding.

Honor Ride is a family-friendly, non-competitive bicycle ride honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans and active-duty service members. Supporters of all abilities are welcome to participate, and proceeds benefit Easterseals Redwood Military and Veteran Services (MVS) to provide critical resources for local veterans and military families.

“Choosing to serve in the military is one of the most selfless decisions a person can make. Yet, the transition that follows often brings significant challenges,” said Dave Corlett, Director of MVS. “At Easterseals Redwood, we’re seeing a growing number of active-duty service members and veterans turning to us for support — a clear indication of just how critical our mission is. Since 2012, we’ve helped more than 5,000 local veterans, and that number continues to rise. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and the vital role organizations like ours play in meeting these ongoing needs.”

Staffed by veterans and military family members, MVS is the region’s premier resource for military veterans – regardless of discharge status – and their families. Last year, the nonprofit opened its state-of-the-art Klekamp Family Military and Veteran Center facility in Walnut Hills. The first of its kind in the region, the center is a one-stop-shop designed to connect service members, veterans, and their families to resources, mentors, community, and employment opportunities by eliminating “navigation frustration” as they try to bridge military and civilian life.

Learn more and register for this year’s event today at HonorYourVet.net.