Gathering Of Warrior Spirit At The Armory

It is January 9th in Key Largo. I am Nada Khalaf-Jones a mother of four. Interestngly since 2015 I have been a licensed drone film maker and drone photographer. Also I’ve have been a journalist and photographer almost my whole life.

Interested in reading more of my work? Find other stories – Key Largo – a local designer, and a local bread maker – in The Free Press.

Welcome to the Wounded Warrior Project ‘Soldier Ride 2026.

morning at 8:30 AM at The Armory VFW Post 102 in Key Largo, there was a gathering of warrior spirit.

This morning I arrived to see many warriors on bicycles, preparing to ride. The notable people, people I know, were Commissioner Holly Raschien and State Attorney – and veteran, Dennis Ward.

WARRIORS MUSICAL SERENADE!

When I arrived I realised the Bag Pipes were playing as well as a Jazz musician. Although the jazz was epic, the Bag Pipes seem to fit the warrior spirit a little more. I followed the sounds of Scotland to the hands of the talented Bill Lombardo, Manager of Key Largo EMS & Volunteer Fire Department.

The VFW Post welcomed all.

This film has background music only.

Inside The Armory at The Post there was a spread of really colourful fresh fruit and refreshing water and juices. Its interior exudes a post World War II wartime charm. The veterans who are members of this VFW10211 are lucky.

My favourite feature is the ordinance that decorates the wall and 40’s and 50’s dining and decor. This gives it that unquestionably swing era feel.

Most moving and relevant was the wall of pictures of combat veterans. I found out many grew up in the Florida Keys.

At the stroke of 0900 EST the road way was completely secured by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. This show cased some great planning by the Sheriff’s Deputies. They held off north and south bound traffic.

The Spirit of The Warrior – Rides Out!

The warriors and their gleaming bicycles, tricycles and recumbent bikes launched upon this epic, “something to write home about,” island hopping, ocean front journey. I wish id gone with them!

What they achieve is that this ride helps raise awareness and concern about and gives funds to assist warriors and their families who have been injured in the line of duty serving this countries military.

Gathering Of Warrior Spirit At The Armory

At 0900 EST Along with their police escort ensuring traffic had stopped, they flowed out like a wave and safely entered the Overseas Highway at mile marker 102. Heading south to Key West which is 102 miles away!! It was lovely to see the proud warriors embark on their wheeled transports for this really long and beautiful journey.

This is a 102 mile bike ride to Key West stopping at Coral Shores High School and many places along the scenic Overs Highway until they get to the Southernmost Point in the United States. Hope this tiny snippet of a moment in time brings much joy to all.

I am thankful to the men and women of our military who have laid down their lives, served this country to keep us safe and made these very challenging decisions to dedicate their lives and sacrifice comfort, home life and safety for us all. This was a really lovely and moving gathering of warrior spirit.

The Films

This Warrior Ride film has sound from the day, dialogue and bagpipes

This Warrior Ride film comes with background music. No bagpipes. No dialogue.

The Photos