DAVID SEPULVEDA PHOTO
Toran Gaal, a Marine veteran and double amputee, is on a 3,800-mile cycling tour across America on a new mission to raise awareness and money for the Semper Fi Fund, an organization that has helped him, his family, and countless others like him.
Gaal lost both legs and suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) during an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan. The explosion also claimed a hip, and he reportedly died several times before being brought back to life and stabilized. What Gaal did not lose, however, was his zeal to continue putting everything on the line to help others.
The retired Marine Corp sergeant, along with his safety driver, Brian Riley — also a veteran who lost a leg during active duty service in Afghanistan — headed into New Haven Sunday as part of their 65-day trek called Ride Across America, which began in San Diego.
The pair was welcomed to New Haven by members of Elm City Cycling, Bike Walk Connecticut, and Doug Hausladen, New Haven’s director of transportation, traffic and parking, at the intersection of Ella T. Grasso Boulevard and Route 1, early Sunday morning after Gaal had pedaled from Manhattan the night before.
The group of cyclists escorted Gaal as he pedaled a special adaptive bicycle propelled by the strength of his arms and upper body, through the Hill section of New Haven and on to The Study at Yale, where a reception, also sponsored by Market New Haven, was held in honor of Gaal and his spirited mission.
At the reception, Gaal was presented with a $500 check from the Chapel College Merchants Association, which includes The Study at Yale.
Hausladen (pictured left) read and presented a proclamation to Gaal from Mayor Toni Harp to honor his effort on behalf of veterans, wounded and injured service personnel and their families.
Michelle Duprey (pictured, left), of New Haven’s Department of Services for Persons with Disabilities, attended the reception offering news of upcoming events in New Haven celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which will run this Tuesday through Thursday. On Tuesday Gov. Dannel P. Malloy joins members of the Board of Alders and Mayor Harp at City Hall with a panel discussion featuring Jon Bauer, a professor at the University of Connecticut School of Law. City Hall will host another discussion on Wednesday with speakers from the state Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities. Thursday events will feature a walking tour of businesses led by attorney Melissa Marshall of the Connecticut Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance and a subsequent discussion in the Board of Alders Chamber regarding public building compliance under the ADA.
During a brief talk with those gathered at The Study, Gaal explained that the Semper Fi Fund helps service members in all branches of the military. While he is helping raise funds for the organization, he does not profit from the money raised: “I don’t see a dime. Expenses on the ride I pay out of pocket. This is me just giving to an organization I want people to know about.”
Gaal and Riley (at right in photo) are next head to Rhode Island en route to Boston. They plan to pass through the area again on Aug. 2 before heading to their final destination, the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Traveling during evening hours when there is less heat and traffic, it may be difficult to cheer the intrepid veterans on during their journey, but those wishing to support Gaal’s Ride Across America, can donate here.
Listening to Toran Gaal talk about his combat experience, the life threatening injuries, the long road to recovery and ultimately the ensuing retirement, we, (in the audience), simply came to realise how he refused to allow his circumstances, (part of the tragedy of war), rob him of the privilege to be of further service.
Resiliency!
Mister Gaal, I cannot wait to see, what mission you will embrace next, well after your 3,800-mile cycling tour across America.
It was a humbling privilege to shake your hand. Thank You Good Sir!