Former President George W. Bush and Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong recently went on a bike ride with wounded vets as part of the Wounded Warriors Project. The 15 vets rode 62.5 miles with Bush and were joined on the final leg by Armstrong. Both Bush and Armstrong were impressed with the athleticism of these wounded, but still proud and strong, warriors.
We’re not heroic…but our soldiers are
From the Army Times:
“The losses endured by so many veterans and their families prompted Armstrong to make a surprise appearance Wednesday to thank the troops for their efforts overseas.
Downplaying the athletic feats revered by sports fans across the country, the Austin native recalled meeting a soldier in Germany who had just lost his leg who wanted to set a record for regaining his walking ability. ‘Now that’s heroic,’ Armstrong said.
The cyclist also teased the former president, recalling the athleticism Bush showed last time they rode together in 2005.
‘Today he started fast but then he kind of blew a gasket,’ Armstrong joked.
The 64-year-old Bush retorted: ‘Well, I’m eligible for Medicare next year.’
The former president also joked about his inability to keep up with the veterans, whose war injuries did little to slow them down.
‘I’m riding as hard as I possibly can, and I look over my shoulder and there’s a one-legged guy barely breathing. … I am in awe of our troops,’ Bush said.”
The complete story is here.
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