My name is Ryan Long, a Cadet at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA. I am on a U.S. Army ROTC scholarship and actively seeking a commission into the Army as a 2Lt upon graduation from VMI.

On 6 October 2012, I will be competing in the 1st Annual Martin's Tour of Richmond, a 102mi trek around the city of Richmond, VA. In addition to competing, I thought the race provided me an opportunity to show my support for our military men and women who faithfully serve and sacrifice for our freedoms on a daily basis. The race is not a Wounded Warrior fundraiser...I am fundraising on my own.

http://www.sportsbackers.org/events/tour-richmond

This past summer, one of my classmates learned that his brother had paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. 1Lt Prasnicki, a 24-year old, 2010 graduate of West Point, lost his life in Maidan Shahr, Wardak province, Afghanistan.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1241871-west-point-football-former-army-qb-chase-prasnicki-dies-in-afghanistan

It is in his memory that I will be competing and collecting donations for The Wounded Warrior Project...the least I can do to show my support for our veterans, especially those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Thank you for your support, and may God Bless America.