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Veterans enjoy a day in the deep woods

| 29 Aug 2016 | 04:51
    At center, John Parrinello, þÄúWheelers for the WoundedþÄù president speaks to the drivers about safety procedures before they head up the mountain.
    At center, John Parrinello, þÄúWheelers for the WoundedþÄù president speaks to the drivers about safety procedures before they head up the mountain.
    All assembled for a group shot before heading home with special thanks going to the West Milford Elks.
    All assembled for a group shot before heading home with special thanks going to the West Milford Elks.
    At center, Gold Star Mother Siobhan Fuller-McConnell addressed the veterans and all the volunteers. She lost her second child, Army Sgt Derek McConnell who was injured in Afghanistan on July 23, 2011 and died of his wounds on March 18, 2013.
    At center, Gold Star Mother Siobhan Fuller-McConnell addressed the veterans and all the volunteers. She lost her second child, Army Sgt Derek McConnell who was injured in Afghanistan on July 23, 2011 and died of his wounds on March 18, 2013.
    A no frills Jeep that seems to mean business is labeled "Mentally Stable?"
    A no frills Jeep that seems to mean business is labeled "Mentally Stable?"
    In the front passenger seat, Wounded Warrior George Alapka of Hamburg gives a "thumbs up" as he heads up the mountain on his second "Wheelers for the Wounded" trail ride. After his first ride he said, "It was fun, exciting, and refreshing."
    In the front passenger seat, Wounded Warrior George Alapka of Hamburg gives a "thumbs up" as he heads up the mountain on his second "Wheelers for the Wounded" trail ride. After his first ride he said, "It was fun, exciting, and refreshing."
    At left, Wantage resident Chris Barnes sang the national anthem during the opening ceremonies.
    At left, Wantage resident Chris Barnes sang the national anthem during the opening ceremonies.

HARDYSTON — “Wheelers for the Wounded” is a veterans’ assistance program that reaches out to disabled vets throughout the year. On Saturday, the group held its eighth annual Wheelers for the Wounded of New Jersey Trail Ride in the hills of northwest Hardyston. In addition to area veterans, 18 veterans were brought to the event by bus from Lyons VA Hospital.
This year some 40 Jeeps and their drivers took over 50 veterans for rides that they won’t soon forget. In addition to the drivers, there were two dozen extra volunteers who helped to make the day another success.
To make matters even better, each veteran was presented with a door prize in the raffle that was held at the close of the event.
— Photos by Chris Wyman