It has been nearly 15 years since Army Sgt. Adrian Hike of Ralston was killed in action in Afghanistan, and his former commanding officer is honoring his and five other soliders’ service and sacrifice with a 1,700-mile bike ride to each of their gravesites. Ret. Army Colonel Chris Kolenda launched the Fallen Hero Honor Ride over the weekend and passed through Carroll today (Tuesday) at Sgt. Hike’s gravesite in the Carroll City Cemetery. Hike was killed on Nov. 12, 2007 by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in eastern Afghanistan. Col. Kolenda says he wanted to do something special to honor and remember the men killed under his command.
Kolenda says every soldier in his unit trusted Hike with their lives. However, Hike’s combat experience left him with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which contributed to a disciplinary action that caused Hike to lose several ranks. Kolenda says Hike’s story is one of resilience, as he earned much of his rank back over time.
Initially, Kolenda thought he would drive the 1,700 miles, but he did not feel that was substantial enough. He says walking the route would take too long, so Kolenda opted to ride a custom road bike marked with the soldiers’ names and the medals they received during their service. Kolenda started the ride to honor these men, but he is also raising money for the Saber Six Foundation, which he began to support veterans after their return to civilian life.
Money raised through the Saber Six Foundation will be used to guide returning veterans and their families by connecting them with VA resources, supporting personal and professional growth, and other needs. As of this (Tuesday) morning, Kolenda had raised over $50,000 towards his $340,000 goal. Follow Kolenda on his journey, learn more about the Saber Six Foundation, or donate through the links included below.
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Pictured below: Col. Kolenda speaks at Sgt. Hike’s gravesite in Carroll about the Honor Ride, the Saber Six Foundation, and helping his soldiers. Hike’s family and two of his former comrades attended Tuesday’s ceremony at the Carroll City Cemetery.
