Meet Ryan West and Clint Tallmadge of Phoenix Wounded Vet Run in Deer Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan West and Clint Tallmadge.

Ryan and Clint, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Since September 11th 2001, when the largest terrorism attack on United States soil occurred, over 7,000 people have given the ultimate sacrifice, by giving their lives, while serving our country. That’s over 7,000 men and women that will never come home to their families; that’s over 7,000 families that will never see their loved ones again. Over 50,000 men and women have been wounded in combat. That doesn’t include the amount of people that have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or the hundreds of thousands that have Traumatic Brain Injuries.

While those of us who have never seen combat can never quite understand the devastation that these soldiers endure, we can help. We can help those who are struggling; struggling with the transition back to civilian life, struggling to live each day like it’s normal while in their minds, they know it’s not. We can help those whose day to day struggle involves deciding whether killing themselves is going to take away the pain, mentally and physically. Help is sometimes just sharing a kind word with someone you don’t know, help is letting those who served know that we appreciate their service and support them. Help is letting them know that we are here.

In 2011, the Infidel Nation riding club was created by a group of like-minded individuals. Two were veterans, two were patriots. Within a year, Andy Biggio from Boston had approached them about bringing the Boston Wounded Vet Run to Phoenix. Andy was inspired by Cpl. Vincent Mannion Brodeur, one of the most severely wounded veterans in the nation, to create this run. The run was originally called Vinnie’s Run and all proceeds were used to create a handicapped accessible living space for Vinnie. This initial run spiraled into something that is now nationwide. There are 18 Wounded Vet Runs throughout the country and Phoenix is the second largest to date.

The Phoenix Wounded Vet Run is extremely proud to have evolved from a small ride into the largest Veteran charity run in the state of Arizona. Each year we get bigger and better and we will continue to support those who have sacrificed themselves for our country. All funds raised will continue to improve the quality of life of disabled veterans. In addition to donating all funds raised, the run is organized and run by volunteers. None of our volunteers receive a salary or benefit financially from this organization.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s not always easy, but it is always worth the effort. We have always had to work hard to make sure that our run is a success.

Please tell us about Phoenix Wounded Vet Run.
The Phoenix Wounded Vet Run is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. Our sole purpose is to assist our fellow Arizona veterans who have made personal sacrifices to defend our nation and the freedoms in which we love so dearly. Now it’s our turn to help Arizona Veterans.

They Fought We Ride is a nonprofit based out of Phoenix, AZ. Our entire organization is run by volunteers who have dedicated their time and expertise to make this organization a success. We are passionate and devoted to supporting our veterans.

Year round, we raise money to support local combat veterans in Arizona. We host fun and exciting events to support our mission and better the lives of the men and women to have sacrificed their bodies for our great country.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing, we have been incredibly blessed to be where we have been and to continue this amazing mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: Theyfoughtweridenational.com
• Email: info@theyfoughtweride.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoenixwoundedvetrun/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhoenixWoundedVetsRun/

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