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Wheelers for Wounded takes veterans on trail

| 01 Sep 2015 | 03:17
    Drivers and guest riders enjoy a scenic vista with an old Wantage quarry far below.
    Drivers and guest riders enjoy a scenic vista with an old Wantage quarry far below.
    Wantage resident Chris Barnes helps his son Ryan, 10, down a steep section of trail to where drivers and guest riders could enjoy a scenic vista an old Wantage quarry far below.
    Wantage resident Chris Barnes helps his son Ryan, 10, down a steep section of trail to where drivers and guest riders could enjoy a scenic vista an old Wantage quarry far below.
    It's hard to believe but the Jeep in this photo is actually on a dirt road that is about to turn hard to the driverþÄôs left and then down a very steep hill.
    It's hard to believe but the Jeep in this photo is actually on a dirt road that is about to turn hard to the driverþÄôs left and then down a very steep hill.
    The Hardyston Volunteer Fire Department sent a tanker truck to the scene for a $5 per Jeep mud removal spray. Taking his turn at the spray nozzle is Hardyston Township Police Department Sergeant Ed O'Rourke.
    The Hardyston Volunteer Fire Department sent a tanker truck to the scene for a $5 per Jeep mud removal spray. Taking his turn at the spray nozzle is Hardyston Township Police Department Sergeant Ed O'Rourke.
    At left, Wounded Warrior George Alapka of Hamburg is welcomed to his very first trail ride by John Parrinello, president of þÄúWheelers for the Wounded.þÄù This was AlapkaþÄôs first event with the group about which he said, "It was fun, exciting and refreshing."
    At left, Wounded Warrior George Alapka of Hamburg is welcomed to his very first trail ride by John Parrinello, president of þÄúWheelers for the Wounded.þÄù This was AlapkaþÄôs first event with the group about which he said, "It was fun, exciting and refreshing."
    A caravan comprised of a few dozen Jeeps heads up the mountain in Hardyston.
    A caravan comprised of a few dozen Jeeps heads up the mountain in Hardyston.
    Ryan Barnes, 10, of Wantage felt like he was in a rumble seat of olden days as he was strapped in and surrounded by a roll bar as his father Chris drove the lead Jeep with at least a dozen more behind him on the trail.
    Ryan Barnes, 10, of Wantage felt like he was in a rumble seat of olden days as he was strapped in and surrounded by a roll bar as his father Chris drove the lead Jeep with at least a dozen more behind him on the trail.
    Hardyston Township Police Department Sergeant Ed O'Rourke had his department's quad on hand in case of a potential emergency.
    Hardyston Township Police Department Sergeant Ed O'Rourke had his department's quad on hand in case of a potential emergency.
    Heading down the chow line is Wounded Warrior George Alapka of Hamburg. This was his first event with the group about which he said, "It was fun, exciting and refreshing."
    Heading down the chow line is Wounded Warrior George Alapka of Hamburg. This was his first event with the group about which he said, "It was fun, exciting and refreshing."

HARDYSTON — “Wheelers for the Wounded” is a veterans assistance program that reaches out to disabled vets throughout the year.

On Saturday the group, held its seventh annual Wheelers for the Wounded of New Jersey Trail Ride in the hills of northwest Hardyston.

Whether it’s taking the vets for a free day of fishing at the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge or upcoming “Operation Not Forgotten” at the Whippany Railway Museum or even the Greenwood Lake Air Show at the Greenwood Lake Airport, their efforts to offer quality time to the vets continues throughout the year.

— Photos by Chris Wyman