Ride for the Red Recognizes Military Heroes

Ride for the Red was created in 2014 by enthusiastic local volunteers eager to share the story and history of the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program.

As they gear up for the sixth annual Ride for the Red presented by Kinecta on Saturday, November 12, the volunteer committee has been recognizing local military heroes along the ride thanks to the Dodgers Military Hero of the Game, where service members are honored for their service to our country.

Meet two of these local military heroes

Corporal Andrew Bonica

Corporal Bonica joined the Marines in 2002, and during his five years of service, he deployed to Iraq numerous times from 2004-2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in Iraq, he designed a backup power supply to ensure continuous flight operations in his Air Traffic Control tower, for which he was awarded the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal. In his spare time, he rides bicycles for charity, including the annual Red Cross Ride for the Red: Service to the Armed Forces.

Bonica was featured by our team last year, learn more about why he rides to support our local SAF program year after year.

Master-at-Arms Petty Officer Third Class, Chanel Aginiga 

Aginiga joined the Navy in 2019 and has been stationed at Naval Base Ventura County for the past two years where she patrols with her Military Working Dog. She has executed over 900 hours of explosive and drug detection training, utilization and deterrence that ensures the safety for over 19,000 personnel and families. As a member of the Commands Honor Guard, she participates in ceremonies and events such as change of commands, retirements, and funeral services.

The Red Cross helps members of the military, veterans, and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service. The mission of the American Red Cross was born on the battlefield through Clara Barton’s care for Civil War soldiers. Today, we continue to serve the US military community from the time a service member takes the oath to navigating life as a veteran.

“Military families experience emergencies, just like other families, except oftentimes they go through a crisis separated from a family member who is deployed. Handling an emergency without your support system can be scary, but Red Cross volunteers make a huge difference in the lives of our military families through emergency relief. Ride for the Red enables us to continue this important work,” shared Jose Molina, Service to Armed Forces Manager.

You are invited to join us Saturday, November 12 in Camarillo as we Ride for the Red. Sign up to ride, volunteer or donate at redcross.org/rideforthered.