Lesbian Air Force Veteran Biking Seattle to D.C. for PTSD Visibility

Five military heroes continue on their summer-long bike ride from Ocean Shores, WA to Washington D.C. to raise money and awareness for veterans in need of services in the long road to transitioning back to civilian life. This week, the veterans are making their way through the state of Montana.

The 90-day bike ride, called the Long Road Home Project, started on July 15 in Ocean Shores, WA and is taking the veterans through 12 states, pedaling more than 4,200 miles.  The veterans are raising money to fund their three-month journey and also plan to donate additional funds raised to Operation First Response, a non-profit that serves our Wounded Heroes with personal and financial needs.  The ride concludes in Washington D.C. on October 14.

Among the veterans is 27-year-old Marie B. Tracy, also known as Marty. Following the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, she is now an openly lesbian veteran. She served in the Air Force for six years and has just returned from Afghanistan where she worked as a Logistics Advisor.  

In riding across the country, Marty hopes to highlight the diversity of people serving in the U.S. military, especially the LGBTQ community.  In addition, she hopes to shed light on the issues LGBTQ people face while serving their country and as veterans.  Marty is grateful for her ever-supportive friends and family, especially Front Runners New York. 

The Long Road Home Project was started by Casey Miller, a civilian, as a way to help veterans with their transitions home.  It’s estimated that since 2001, more than 50,000 veterans have been wounded, while there are more than 270,000 veterans who may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  During their 90 day ride, approximately 1500 veterans will commit suicide.

Find the complete route of the ride and the current location of the riders here.