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HOLLY RIDGE, N.C.—The war in Afghanistan started ten years ago on Thursday.

Veterans gearing up for the first Warrior Ride in Onslow County took time to reflect on the past decade. More than 1,300 U.S. troops have died during the ten year war. Thousands more have been injured. In order to raise money for those injured soldiers, a three day bike ride from Holly Ridge to Oak Island is held.

Those participating say they may not be with their units anymore, but they often think of their fellow troops. For retired Army Sgt Joe Perez, getting to the point where he can hop on a bike has been a journey of its own. He suffered life-threatening spinal cord injuries in 2003 while serving in Iraq.

"I want them home just like everybody else does. Out of harms way, but what they are doing is important," said Perez. "We don't want to just be looked at as Wounded Warriors. But we do want to be looked at as husbands and fathers and people who want to give to the community."

Perez and other wounded military members turn to the Warrior Ride program to help piece their lives back together. It is a bonding experience making bikers like Perez, who is on his fourth ride, feel like themselves again.

"If we can reach them and show them that there is life after injury, that their sacrifice is not forgotten. They are true Americans," said Bob Racine, Warrior Ride founder.

The community is invited to join the Warrior Ride on Saturday in Oak Island. The opening ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. on the soccer field behind Town Hall.