The plumbing industry’s support of Operation Rise & Conquer continues to grow as exemplified by the 2nd Annual Ride for Rise and Conquer in Glen Allen, Va., on April 30. The event was hosted by VAMAC, supported by Gerber/Danze along with 27 other industry vendors, customers, VAMAC associates and the community. It raised $16,500 for McGuire Veterans Hospital Adaptive Sports Program in Richmond – a program that services wounded soldiers and relies 100 percent on donations for funding.

The ride attracted 100 participants (more than double the number in last year’s ride) to Winn’s Baptist Church in Glen Allen, each of whom rode 50 or 25 miles as individuals or 7 miles in the Family Fun Ride. One of the day’s highlights came after the riders returned and were able to hear more from Sgt. Michael Frazier USMC (Ret). Sgt. Frazier, a wounded veteran who participated in the ride as a hand cyclist, spoke about the benefits of McGuire Veterans Hospital’s Adaptive Sports Center program and what it means to him and his fellow soldiers.

Thanks to partners Winn’s Baptist Church, Cycle Ed and many VAMAC customers, VAMAC sold 5,600+ water bottles that also supported the fund raising effort and brought awareness to the cause.

Operation Rise & Conquer (created in 2014 by the American Supply Association and industry partners APR Supply, First Supply, Hajoca, Oatey, VAMAC, Danze, Gerber and The Wholesaler magazine) focuses on raising awareness and financial support to help empower and inspire wounded soldiers and

veterans to regain confidence and trust in themselves and others. The money raised by Operation Rise & Conquer directly supports these military men and women through the Adaptive Sports Center in Colorado and many Veterans Hospitals across the country.

The Adaptive Sports Program at McGuire offers similar services, providing veterans with special equipment needed to participate in summer or winter activities, and serves as a resourceful and motivating way to help these brave heroes take a break from their hospital rehabilitation environments. Participants are exposed to biking (amateur and professional levels), competitive rowing, archery, air rifle, skeet shooting and other challenging, yet rewarding activities.

To learn more about Operation Rise & Conquer and how your organization can get involved, visit operationriseandconquer.org.