Wounded military veterans interacted with dolphins as a part of the Florida Keys Soldier Ride, a trip through the Florida Keys to Key West that also involved riding adaptive bicycles down segments of the Keys Overseas Highway on Jan. 10.

Soldiers swam with the dolphins at Marathon’s Dolphin Research Center, after cycling in the Upper Keys. They shared dolphin kisses with the mammals, giving flipper shakes and getting dorsal fin pulls.

Organized by the Wounded Warrior Project with help from the Keys community, Soldier Ride inspires participants while raising funds for injured comrades still recovering in American military hospitals.

Retired U.S. Army medic Rachael Rodgers, who had her left leg amputated below the knee, first participated in the Soldier Ride experience in 2015.

“What makes this experience special for me, personally, is the camaraderie with the veterans,” she said. “It’s a very unique network and especially with disabled veterans because, you know, I guess we’re a little more sympathetic toward each other with our experiences.

“Animals that we had the pleasure of swimming with today, they are very sympathetic animals,” said Rodgers of the dolphin encounter.  ”They’re very in tune with their senses and in tune with our senses, and so I think that also helps us because it helps ease us.

“You have to find any little bit of joy in any experience that you can,” she said about rehabilitation. “Laughter is truly the best medicine.”

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project is to raise public awareness and support for the needs of severely injured members of the military. The organization’s cross-country and Keys bicycle trips provide rehabilitative opportunities for injured soldiers.

On Jan. 11, the Soldier Ride continued from Naval Air Station Key West through the streets of the Southernmost City.

Vets are treated to dolphin interactions at Marathon’s Dolphin Research center after cycling through the Upper Keys. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau

Repeated honor to host Wounded Warriors

On Jan. 10,  Dolphin Research Center (DRC) was honored to host the Charles Evans Day for the Wounded Warrior Project with a visit from the Soldier Ride. We welcomed upwards of 70 participants and numerous support staff for this special event. More than 40 veterans enjoyed a fun-filled, complimentary Dolphin Encounter swim with the DRC dolphins. The event was made possible through our partnerships with the Charles Evans Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Once more, the Florida Keys community came together to provide a wonderful experience for the brave men and women who have served in our country’s armed forces and returned home with a myriad of injuries. DRC staff, volunteers and members of the general public lined the walkway to welcome our military heroes when they arrived. The City of Marathon and Marathon Fire & Rescue provided a delicious lunch, catered by Irie’s Island Eats. Captain Hook’s Dive Shop, Marathon, loaned wetsuits free of charge.  Each participant also received digital images from their dolphin swim.

The men and women of our military give their very best in service to this country. This event is a way that we can give back. We greatly appreciate everyone who worked with us to make the day a joyful success.

Rita Irwin,
President and CEO,
Dolphin Research Center