I am raising money to help veterans make the transition home!

I'm retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Creel. I've spent the past 13 years as an Army special operations combat photographer documenting our military's efforts in far off and war torn nations such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia, Africa and the Philipines.  I've been to hell and back and have had a small taste of heaven somewhere in between. I've had to face the same hard reality that so many veterans of our generation are experiencing. I am only 31 years old, disabled and now medically retired from the life I knew and the Army I love. I know first hand the pain that comes with transitioning back to civilian life after more than ten years at war, post-traumatic stress, failed relationships and a world that doesn't seem to understand my sacrifices. That's why this summer, along with four fellow U.S. veterans, I will bicycle across the nation to prove that war-related wounds can be healed.

Our goal is to use the road to heal our wounds from war, to draw attention to the fact that many veterans face difficulties coming home, and to raise funds for programs which allow veterans to heal.

I'd like to help raise $5,000 of the $75,000 needed to accomplish this year's ride. Funds raised above this goal will go towards helping other veterans charities. (www.longroadhomeproject.com).

Will you help me? 

$2500 will cover food for one cyclist for 3 months.

$420 or $0.10 cents for the 4200 miles the cyclists will ride.

$250 or less than 1 penny for the 25 million veterans in the United States.

$90 or $1 for every day the cyclists will be on the road.

$50 or $10 for each cyclist of the Long Road Home Project.

You can also help me by sharing this page on Facebook and Twitter! Consider joining my team to fundraise, and tell your friends and family that you believe in helping our veterans heal as they come home from the war. Thank you.

Sincerely, Ryan C.