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| Handcyclists at the start of the Long Island Run For The Warriors |
As Sergeant
Major Kevin Bittenbender and his eight comrades—all on handcycles—started the
Long Island Run For The Warriors® 10K, the streets were lined with thousands of
grateful Americans who stood cheering as they thanked the service members for
their sacrifices. About 30 minutes after the race started, the first of this group
began to reach the finish line. Each of the nine service members who received a
handcycle carries a unique story of service, athleticism, patriotism, and
perseverance: here is just one inspiring story of many.
Military Service
Kevin, from Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania, enlisted with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 1985.
Throughout his time of service he has been deployed three times for Operation
Enduring Freedom: once to Europe and twice to Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, Kevin
was involved in nation building as he assisted, trained, and advised many
units. Currently, he serves as a Senior Intelligence Sergeant (G2) with the 28th
Infantry Division. Beyond his military career Kevin has a passion for sports
and is dedicated to volunteerism.
Volunteer Service
In 1985, Kevin
began to represent the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a Winter Biathlon
athlete and was ranked in the top 50 of the sport by the US Biathlon
Association. He has also won numerous awards and has come in first place in many
marksmanship competitions. In 2010 Kevin took his talent, years of training,
and expert knowledge and became the U.S. Paralympics Biathlon/Nordic Shooting
Coach. He volunteers his time coaching and traveling with the team, offering
his skill to serve others.
Beyond his
involvement in the Paralympics, Kevin continues to spend his time giving back
to the community and volunteering with many different organizations. For the
past two years, he has organized the Freedom Bike Ride, which takes place in
Lewisburg, PA. The cyclists, including handcyclists too, ride 200-miles over
four days starting in Washington, D.C., and finishing in Lewisburg, PA as they
lead the county’s annual 4th of July parade. Kevin also volunteers with the
Federal Bureau of Prisons, and coaches many soccer teams. His altruistic
attitude serves as an example for his local community and is inspiration for
all who know his story.
As members of the Long Island community lined the finish of The Long Island Run For The Warriors® a
tiny blur of a handcyclist crest the horizon. The cheers of the crowd grew
louder as this first handcyclist approached. Being true to his athletic nature, Kevin
was that first handcyclist. He was met by the warm applause of his fellow
Americans who stood in awe of his perseverance and strength.
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