NAVY CLASS OF 1983 … Members of the Naval Academy’s Class of 1983 stand in front of the Delta American Legion on their way across the country to Annapolis, Maryland. There they are joined by members of the Delta American Legion who hosted the group for lunch.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
Navy ’83 made a stop at the American Legion in Delta this past Tuesday, September 26th. This group of individuals graduated from the Naval Academy in 1983 and have since formed a group that raises money for veteran and military personnel and their families.
This year, on their 40th anniversary, they have also embarked on a mission to travel across the country on bicycles.
On August 23rd, the group left the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island in Washington State. From there the plan has been to bike across the United States until they arrive at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Before that, the Class of 1983 will meet up with the class of 1973 who are also biking across the country.
Then before reaching Annapolis, both groups will hold a joint memorial service at the National Cemetery, with the Secretary of the Navy, who is also a graduate of 1983, in attendance.
Finally, after reaching Annapolis, the groups will ride around the grounds, and stop in front of the chapel where the bell will be run.
Everyone will then ride to the Columbarium (room, building, or wall that is designated for the interment of ashes for those who have died and been cremated) where another joint memorial service will be held.
Afterward, each of those who rode from Whidbey Island will dip their front tires into the Severn River.
Previously before leaving Whidbey, each of the riders dipped their rear tires into the Puget Sound River.
Dipping their front and rear tires signifies the coast-to-coast journey the group has made. From the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic.
As far as raising money goes, the group has raised north of $450,000 for organizations that support veterans and military members as well as their families.
This is made even greater when you take into account the fact that the original goal was to raise just $250,000.
This has been surpassed by nearly double now, with more money incoming. The group also participates in the 22-pushup challenge.
This challenge started back in 2016. It was created to bring awareness to veteran suicides and programs that are available to help prevent them. This has all stemmed from a report released by the VA back in 2012 that showed an average of 22 veterans commit suicide every day.
Ten years later, the study was performed again and showed that the number had dropped down to 17 per day. While this is progress, the number is nowhere near where it should be, at zero.
So, the 22 pushups continue every day the group rides. In order to draw attention to suicide, the programs available to help, and as a reminder. A reminder for each person to look after one another. A reminder to call old roommates, friends, family, and anyone else.
The group started the 22-pushup challenge when they first decided to go biking. This was in 2019, with a one-week trip.
A one-week trip has taken place each year since, with the group passing through Delta and stopping at the Legion last year during that trip as well. For both this year and last year, Co-Organizer Dixon Smith explained that they are extremely grateful for the Legion’s amazing generosity.
“This post is awesome. On our one-week ride last year, we called up to see if we could use the parking lot. They told us they would love to have us stay for lunch.”
“When we were getting ready to leave, they said they felt as though they hadn’t done enough so they gave us six cases of beer. Now they are doing it again this year and are asking us how many cases we need. Their generosity and hospitality is amazing.”
The group’s journey is slated to conclude on October 5th where they should arrive in Annapolis. If you would like to track their journey, learn more about the group, or donate to their cause, you can visit them at navy-cycling.com
If anyone is struggling with thoughts of suicide or if you think you may need someone to talk to before it gets to that point, a hotline is available to help you.
Please call 988 and someone will be available to help you. A website is also available to look at by going to 988lifeline.org
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com