JOIN THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT SOLDIER RIDE ON JULY 16th!
The “Big Apple” will host Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Soldier Ride® as a group of our nation’s heroes begin a journey toward recovery alongside their fellow warriors. Throughout the weekend, participants will discover that Soldier Ride is more than a cycling event – it is a chance to heal their bodies and minds. While the WWP has roots all over the country, one of its founding members is based right here in East Hampton. Nick Kraus, a founder of the Soldier Ride, talks to KDHamptons about how the East End has impacted his life, and his role in the WWP community.
Tell us how you came call the East end your home?
I was born at Southampton Hospital and have been coming out ever since. I made East Hampton my full time home back in the early 90s. I didn’t want to go back to NYC, and at the same time I met a girl, got a dog and a truck. Soon after, like a bad country song, the truck broke down, the girl left and the dog died, but I’m happy to say that I stayed in East Hampton.
What’s your involvement with the WWP?
As one of the founders of the Soldier Ride, I’ve done everything from logistics to events to fundraising to PR for the WWP. It’s an incredible community since just about anybody involved has been willing to jump in and help out to make something work.
How has the Hamptons community supported the Wounded Warrior project?
The entire Hamptons community has supported and helped to get the Soldier ride up and running, which means they’ve all supported the WWP. It has truly been a group effort that has now turned into an international program and has changed the way injured veterans recover.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the Hamptons?
I wish I was going to say something like I go for a long run and then paddle boarding and a sunset BBQ on the beach with my family, however, and as nice as that sounds and can be… I really enjoy sitting on an empty beach reading a book by myself. My wife is a yoga instructor and we like to get out to Montauk at least once a week on a night off. We stop by a few places for some food and drinks and then finish the night off at Johns Drive In for ice cream.
To learn more about Soldier Ride and how WWP helps veterans, please visit: https://goo.gl/BBlLVJ. To sign up in advance for the Community Rides, please visit www.soldierride.org for the Babylon ride, and www.soldierride.org/
