The GEICO Gecko Rides with the Wounded Warrior Soldier, Long Island, New York

LONG ISLAND, NY--July 15, 2011: The 2011 Soldier Ride National Tour sponsored by GEICO is making its way back to New York for two separate rides on July 22 and July 23.

“It is our honor to partner with Soldier Ride in support of the noble men and women serving our country.”

• Long Island: July 22, at 8:45 a.m. at Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst, N.Y.
• The Hamptons: July 23, at 8:45 a.m. at Ocean View Farm, 551 Montauk Hwy in Amagansett, N.Y.

The Hampton ride is dedicated Lance Corporal Jordan C. Haerter, who was killed in action April 22, 2008 in Ramadi, Iraq at the age of 19. Jordan's actions that day, along with fallen comrade 21-year-old Corporal Jonathan T. Yale, saved the lives of over 33 Marines and Iraqi policemen. Lance Corporal Haerter earned the coveted title, United States Marine, on December 1, 2006 and became a member of the fiercely proud 1st Battalion, 9th Marines.

For additional information on either of the rides and to sign up, go to Soldier Ride.

The national cycling event began in 2004 when Chris Carney of Long Island, N.Y., a private citizen, rode coast to coast in support of the Wounded Warrior Project. Since then, Soldier Ride has grown from a one man honor to a nation-wide honorable event.

Sponsored by GEICO, each one-day cycling event encourages the public to honor the nation's wounded veterans battling the physical and psychological effects of war. Soldier Ride has proven itself to be a good opportunity for the public to support the men and women of the U.S. military by participating in the event or joining spectators along the ride route.

One of the recent riders wrote, "It was a great feeling participating with fellow men and women who had similar injuries from war. I cannot thank Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride enough for all of the help and positive encouragement leading up to and during the event."

"Military personnel have been an important part of our business since our company was founded in 1936," said Michael Baker, GEICO director of military marketing. "It is our honor to partner with Soldier Ride in support of the noble men and women serving our country."

Each ride is followed by a community picnic and entertainment for riders and participants.