WELCOME TO RALLY4VETS CYCLING!
MY CYCLING STORY
Hey there, I'm Robert Hess, a combat veteran and PTSD survivor. I like to think of myself as a PTSD graduate, because let's face it, those emotions never truly disappear, do they? But that's where my bike comes in!
Beyond my battle with PTSD, I'm also an Agent Orange prostate cancer survivor. Waiting for those annual PSA blood test results can be a real nail-biter, but I’ve found an amazing way to keep my mind in a good place: cycling!
For me, getting on the bike isn’t just exercise — it’s how I keep PTSD from running the whole show. The steady rhythm of pedaling settles my nerves, burns off the anxious energy, and lifts my mood in a way I can actually feel.
Riding gives me something PTSD tries to steal: control. I set the pace, choose the route, and finish what I started. And when I’m outside — especially with good people around me — the noise in my head gets quieter. My focus narrows to the road, my breathing, the next mile… and for a while, I’m not stuck in the past. I’m right here. Moving forward.
We're thrilled to announce that DVEN/Rally4Vets has received a grant from the Do Good Foundation to create a pilot cycling program for veterans dealing with PTSD.
The program is slated for late summer or early fall of 2026.
Please complete the form below for program information.
The Disabled Veteran Empowerment Network (DVEN) is a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families.
Our federal tax identification number (EIN) is 99-5053861