Guardian Ride - 2022

Once again, this September I'm embarking on a 7-day, 300+mile, self-sustained bike ride throughout ME, NH and MA, with the hopes of raising funds for my former National Guard unit's Family Readiness Group (FRG). The unit, the 488th Military Police Company, is based in Waterville, and its soldiers (‘Guardians’) and their families come from all around central Maine, and many far-flung corners of the state.

The purpose of the FRG is to share information with family members of soldiers in the unit, to connect families with community resources, and to help with any problems that arise whether their spouse is deployed or not.

Funds donated to the FRG go toward events and resources for soldiers' families. The FRG hosts family-oriented events throughout the year, and also has the ability to use funds for unit families in need.

In my inaugural Guardian Ride in 2018, we raised over $2,000 for this great cause! In 2019 we raised $4,200! And, even in the midst of pandemic shutdowns and my own mid-summer surgery, we still raised $3,575 in 2020 thanks to all of you. Last year’s Guardian Ride raised a whopping $6,000 thanks to your generosity!

Last year’s funds helped to support unit families and Soldiers while the 488th has been deployed to our southwest border, maintaining border security with federal agencies. Among the special projects funded was a large Christmas party, in which families were able to stuff care packages and send them to their soldiers away from home. No doubt this year’s donations will help with the myriad of reintegration events as our soldiers return home to their families this Fall.

In addition to the Christmas party and it’s traditional visit from Santa with gifts for all the kids, these funds go to support the FRG’s Back-To-School supply drive, and an annual Summer cookout / camp out with kayaking and other outdoors activities.

My friends, you all have come through BIG-TIME to support this cause over these first four years. Let's do it again this Fall! No amount is too small, and if you’re unable to donate, a social media share goes a long way. Thank you in advance for your support!

-Sergeant First Class Brian McCarthy (US Army, Retired)