In September of 2005 the American Legion Riders from Arizona embarked upon a journey to Camp Pendleton and Balboa Naval Hospitals. They called this ride Operation Wounded Warrior.

In 2006 Operation Wounded Warrior kicked off in Queen Creek Arizona, Duane Ellsworth Post 129. But this year with full Post support along with the total support of the town. Queen Creek’s senior center was hard at work making 130 lap quilts. Riders came from Nevada, California, and as far as Illinois just to make this ride. The riders picked up additional riders in Tucson, Las Cruses, and San Antonio. When the Riders arrived at Brooks Army Medical Hospital they had 66 Riders, 2-16 foot U-hauls, and 2 chase trucks.

2007 came and again we got a call from San Diego Armed Services YMCA requesting our return. Operation Wounded Warrior split into three groups. Riders from Texas and New Mexico would take over Brooks Army Medical and Lackland Air Force Base. Nevada would take care of a VA center in Nevada and Arizona would take care of Camp Pendleton and Balboa Naval Hospitals.

2008 Riders from Arizona got together under the leadership of American Legion Riders Chapter 129 and with collections of over $10,000 as well as the handmade items donated by the Queen Creek Seniors, OWW was well on its way. The wounded service members were very happy to see the arrival of the riders at both Camp Pendleton and Balboa Naval Hospitals

2009 OWW went to Balboa Naval Hospital; this year the wounded were bused from Camp Pendleton so there would be a larger gathering and so the wounded could see everything OWW was doing for them. The riders were able to take more time to visit with the men and women then years before due to the fact they only had to go to one location.

2010 OWW some changes were made, instead of leaving from Founders Park in Queen Creek they left from AM/PM in Casa Grande. As well as supporting Camp Pendleton and Balboa Naval Hospital. Fort Irwin’s and 29 Palms Wounded Warrior battalion were supported as well.

2011 OWW again included Balboa Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, Ft. Irwin. and 29 palms $26,000 in checks, gift cards and health and comfort items were delivered by 36 riders.

2012 We left Queen Creek as in years past. Again we stopped at Post 19 in Yuma and received a warm welcome and a great lunch. We arrived at the hotel safe and with everyone. We had a blowout on the chase trailer that sat us back a little but we finished our mission. $15,000 in checks and health and comfort items were delived to the troops ny 45 riders. Saturday Post 460 in San Diego hosted a ride that took us up the Pacific Coast Hwy and had a fund raiser after.

Please contact me for more information at pastcommandercraig@gmail.com or 602-469-1225