Nicole June Reporting
njune@clarksvillenow.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two local veterans will ride in the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier ride in Nashville Nov. 14-16.
The rehabilitative cycling event brings wounded warriors from across the country together for a weekend of wellness and companionship. Events include a bike fitting where warriors are fit with adaptive equipment, two days of rides through Nashville and Franklin, and other challenging activities, including an afternoon of rock climbing.
Norberto Roman, a retired member of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, will participate in the ride. He served two tours in Iraq, where he developed two dangerous lung conditions as a result of exposure to sulfur fires, burn pits, and human waste. Roman also suffered from a debilitating case of PTSD for nearly four years, and he said Wounded Warrior Project pulled him out of a very dark place.
“It’s an amazing organization. It has done a lot for us,” he said. The Soldier Ride is an especially exciting opportunity for him. “It is more about meeting other soldiers and wounded warriors from different areas. Most of all it’s about unity.”
Due to his lung conditions, doctors told Roman he would not be able to withstand much physical activity, but he has proven them wrong at every turn by participating in events like the Soldier Ride, as well as 5 and 10K runs, half marathons, and his upcoming full marathon. “I’m blessed that I have two legs and two hands,” he said. “I think my inspiration is my two sons. I see their faces and I’m proud to be where I am now. It gives you a purpose, tells you to keep going.”
Roman encourages other soldiers and veterans to be involved with the Wounded Warrior Project. “These events help us get out of those shells and deal with the stress and the anxiety. We have the opportunity to volunteer and I’ve always tried to spread the world to other soldiers. There’s help out there. They just need to believe that there are some good people out there and a lot of programs,” he said.
Robert Cala will also participate in the Soldier Ride. SFC Cala retired from the Army after serving for over 14 years. He was deployed to Iraq twice between 2003 and 2005.
Since his retirement, Cala has found comfort and strength in Wounded Warrior Project. He views it as a way to diversify his life and have fun. “I think it’s something that should have started a long time ago,” he said. “Wounded Warrior Project gives you a kind of relief, mentally and physically. Even though we have limitations, it is the right place for all veterans.”
For more information about Wounded Warrior Project, visit their website.