Community Corner

Burke Non-Profit to Host Armed Forces Day Freedom Ride Saturday

The goal of the event, which will be at the American Legion Post 176 in Springfield, is to raise money for wounded warriors and disabled veterans.

Burke non-profit Able Forces will serve as the Virginia host for the Armed Forces Day Freedom Ride on Saturday in Springfield. 

The event, which will be at the American Legion Post 176, located at 6520 Amherst Ave., will raise money for wounded warriors and disabled veterans.

“People don’t realize in their day-to-day life that there are still families separated from their loved ones who are serving and I like to bring awareness to that,” said Kathy Rogers, Burke resident and organizer for the event. “There are so many veterans who need help paying bills, paying their rent and buying food.”

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This will be the second year Able Forces has organized the ride as part of Armed Forces Day. The first ride was on Sept. 11, 2010 in Winchester.

Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41st District) will attend on Saturday and the event will feature the Wall of The Fallen, a tribute with the names of all military soldiers killed from Virginia, among other military displays. There will be bike displays from Hardcore Choppers and music by singer-songwriter Sam Tate and other bands.

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“I think people will really enjoy the wall. It’s a neat thing to see, and the riders are to, of course,” said Rogers.

The riders will be escorted by police officers from Fairfax and Prince William Counties. They will leave Springfield and head to Quantico on their route before returning to Springfield.

Although the Freedom Ride is a national event, Rogers said there’s plenty of local involvement. The Wounded Warriors program from Quantico will have a booth on Saturday.

In addition to some of the vendors who will be present, the American Legion will grill and sell a variety of food. For families or individuals with children, there will also be free kids games.

There will also be a raffle that will include items such baseballs signed by Washington Nationals Players and a hockey puck signed by Washington Capitals players.

While the event is free to the public, Able Forces is asking rider to donate $15.00 to participate.

Able Forces was founded three years ago by Rogers’ husband Skip and former Burke resident Joe Cunningham, both whom worked in the defense industry for years and later completed volunteer work with Wounded Warriors. Kathy and Skip Rogers have lived in Burke for the last 30 years.

For more information, visit www.ableforces.org.


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