The Eastern PA River Runners, a local charter club of The American Watercraft Association, along with Ray's Yamaha, Polaris & Victory out of Reading, PA and Sgt. Grit’s Marine Specialties out of Oklahoma City, OK are proud to team with The Family & Friends For Freedom Fund Inc., to raise money for this wonderful organization that aids in the recovery of our combat wounded Marines and servicemen and women from other branches of the armed forces recovering at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and other hospitals in the surrounding regions. The 7th Annual Operation Helping Hero’s Freedom Ride will commence with the hopes and dreams of America’s hero’s riding with us. We will set out on a journey of approximately 400 miles round trip in 3 days on personal watercraft and jetboats. The journey will take the following route:First Day at Sunrise – Friday July 12th: Depart from Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, MD and head down the Chesapeake Bay turning up the Potomac River to Quantico Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA. for a layover that evening.Morning of the Second Day – Saturday July 13th :Continue up the Potomac River to Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge, VA. where they will meet up with 100 or so personal watercraft riders and jetboat pilots from around the area. The group will then travel to Washington D.C. in the hopes of raising awareness within the community and the government to the much needed help and care of America’s combat wounded Marines and servicemen and women from all branches of the armed forces. The group will then go to Tim’s Rivershore Restaurant and Crab House in Dumfries, VA for lunch and a great afternoon of fun, entertainment, and festivities before returning to the Marine Corps Base for the evening.Morning of the Last Day – Sunday July 14th: The River Runners will depart from Quantico Marine Corps Base and begin their trip back to Sandy Point State Park along the same path that they arrived.What we are in search of on this ride is the support by presence of every watercraft club, rider, boater and enthusiast in and around the surrounding area as well as those who wish to travel to ride for this great cause, to join us on Saturday July 13th at Leesylvania State Park at 10:00 a.m. for a ride to Washington D.C. to raise “ Awareness By Presence” and then head to Tim’s Rivershore Restaurant and Crab House in Dumfries, VA for a great time.Check in time for the ride on Saturday July 13th begins at 7:30 a.m. until 9:20 a.m. at the launch ramp area to the left of the main pavilion (if facing the Potomac River) where the sailboat hoists are located. There will be a mandatory riders meeting at 9:30 a.m. and we will depart for Washington D.C. promptly at 10:00 a.m.