The Jeremy Staat Foundation: The Wall to-Wall Cross Country Bicycle ride

“A foundation of Inspiration and Motivation”

100 days, 15 states, 9 military bases and travelling approximately 4,163 miles, veteran Marine Jeremy Staat and Corporal Wesley Leon-Barrientos will team up and begin the Wall to Wall Bicycle Ride from the Wall of Valor in Bakersfield, CA to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.  Starting on 19 February, 2012, they plan to end their epic journey on 28 May, 2012 for the 30^th anniversary of the Vietnam Memorial Wall as well as to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Rolling Thunder, an annual motorcycle rally helping American veterans from all wars.

Founded by Jeremy Staat and Wesley Leon-Barrientos, the Foundation’s mission includes raising awareness of and support for veteran organizations, veteran centers on college campuses, and veteran suicide prevention programs throughout the nation. In addition, the foundation seeks to educate, prevent, and decrease childhood obesity through lifetime fitness activities.

Cpl Wesley Leon-Barrientos and Jeremy Staat

This inspirational and motivational foundation was established in June, 2011, when Jeremy was given the opportunity to speak to local school children about life experiences as a former NFL player, United States Marine and Iraqi War veteran. Jeremy felt that previous generations owed it to the next generations to invest their time and education in our future citizens and warriors. He encouraged other veterans to tell their stories in local school as well.

Besides travelling across country and celebrating the history of our nation’s Marines.  The Jeremy Staat Foundation mission is to bring living history to the classroom by offering meaningful life experiences to our youth through a Veteran Speaking Board without taking away needed financial resources from our financially constrained educational system. 

The Cross Country Bike Riders:

Jeremy Staat was born in Bakersfield, California. He played in the National Football League for six years until 2005 when he decided to join the best of the best, the United States Marine Corps.  Jeremy served his country in Haditha, Iraq in March of 2007 as an infantry machine gunner. He was also the lead turret gunner during their mounted vehicle patrols as well as the point man on his squad’s foot patrols.  Jeremy’s health inhibited him from staying active in the Marines. He medically retired from the Marine Corps and now devotes his time to his community by educating, inspiring, and raising awareness for our nation’s veterans.

A 3-time Purple Heart recipient, 5-time Army Commendation Medal recipient, and 2-time recipient of the Army Good Conduct Medal, Corporal Wesley Leon-Barrientos was born in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. At age 18, he enlisted in the United States Army. Wesley was deployed for his first tour of duty to Iraq in 2002. For five years he served our great nation and was severely wounded on his last deployment. On 20 December, 2007 Wesley lost his left leg and right foot. As a double amputee Wesley was happy to be alive and determined to walk and run again. He began walking at three and a half months, and shortly before hitting the six month mark, Wesley began to run.  Wesley’s motto today is “Life over Legs.”

Jeremy and Wesley getting miles in

For more information and a listing of the stops along the Wall to Wall Ride, or If you would like to support the Jeremy Staat Foundation go to www.TheJeremyStaatFoundation.com

You can support today’s Marines by joining MCA&F. Members receive many benefits  including access to magazines, discounts with affinity partners, and member value pricing at MCA&F retail locations. You can also support Marines by making a tax deductible donation to the Foundation here.