Veterans and Veteran support drivers will unite October 23-24 for an overnight journey honoring all who have served, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, while raising One Million Voices for military and Veteran mental health, suicide prevention, peer support, and connection
Tour de Valor invites Veterans, Service Members, Military Families, caregivers, and communities to come together, get out, connect with one another, and strengthen the sense of belonging that reminds every person who served that their service matters and they are part of the Veteran community
ALBANY, N.Y. – Wednesday, October 21, 2026 – The Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families (DCMVF) has announced the team participating in the 2026 Tour de Valor: One Million Voices, an approximately 213-mile journey beginning Friday, October 23, at the Albany County Veterans Service Bureau and concluding Saturday, October 24, at the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Memorial in Rocky Point, Long Island.
Tour de Valor is about bringing people together. Throughout the journey, Veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserve, Military Families, Caregivers, first responders, Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Programs, and communities across New York are encouraged to come out, connect, share their voices, and be part of the journey. At its heart, Tour de Valor promotes peer support, community engagement, and the simple but powerful act of showing up for one another.
Beginning at noon on Friday, participants will travel through the Hudson Valley, cross the Bear Mountain Bridge, continue through New York City, and make their way across Long Island before reaching Rocky Point at approximately 10:00 AM Saturday. The journey will continue for approximately 22 hours, including through the overnight hours. It represents more than physical endurance; it reflects the difficult and often unseen journeys that Veterans, Service Members, Military Families, and caregivers may experience and the importance of having people and communities willing to stand beside them along the way.
Veterans Completing the Full Journey
Two military Veterans will undertake the complete journey from Albany to Rocky Point.
- Todd Dorris – U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Veteran
Program Coordinator, Dwyer Vet2Vet of Putnam
- Gavin T. Walters Sr., MSW – U.S. Air Force Veteran
Founding Executive Director, Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families
Dorris and Walters will travel the full route, riding through the night and connecting with Veterans, first responders, Dwyer Programs, Military Families, and community members along the way. The journey is intended to bring attention to the importance of peer support and the need to ensure that individuals experiencing mental health challenges know that support and connection are available.
Veterans Supporting the Journey
Two U.S. Veterans will serve as Tour de Valor support drivers throughout the journey.
- Justin Riccobono – U.S. Army Veteran
- Lionel Durant – U.S. Marine Corps Persian Gulf Veteran
Riccobono and Durant will provide vehicle and logistical support throughout the route, assist with coordination at scheduled stops, and help ensure the cyclists have the support and resources necessary to continue the journey. Their participation reinforces one of the central messages behind Tour de Valor: no one completes a difficult journey entirely alone. Support may come from the person beside you, the person behind you, or the community waiting for you at the next stop.
Tour de Valor Route and Community Stops
The Tour de Valor will travel approximately 213 miles from Albany to Rocky Point, making stops with first responders and community partners along the way. Community members, Veterans, Military Families, first responders, Dwyer Programs, and local organizations are encouraged to welcome the participants at scheduled stops.
***All arrival times are estimates and may change based on the pace of the journey, traffic, weather, road conditions, and stop duration.
Official Tour de Valor Route Map:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1OtJxVPwQs7eaDRhpp8DsxmEMX80UPd0&usp=sharing
Live Tour de Valor Tracking:
https://live.garmin.com/TourdeValor
Friday, October 23
| Location | Address | Estimated Time |
| START – Albany County Veterans Service Bureau | 420 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12207 | Meet & Greet: 10:30 AM / Departure: 12:00 PM |
| Stop 1 – West Athens-Lime Street Fire Company | 919 Schoharie Turnpike, Athens, NY | Approx. 2:45 PM |
| Stop 2 – Ulster Hose Company #5 | 2333 US-9W, Lake Katrine, NY 12449 | Approx. 5:10 PM |
| Stop 3 – Middle Hope Fire Department | 5172 Route 9W, Newburgh, NY 12550 | Approx. 8:35 PM |
| Stop 4 – Fort Montgomery Community Stop | Host Location To Be Announced Alternate: American Legion 136 Old NY-218, Highland Falls, NY 10928 |
Approx. 10:40 PM |
| Stop 5 – Buchanan Fire Department | 3159 Albany Post Road, Buchanan, NY 10511 | Approx. 11:45 PM |
Saturday, October 24
| Location | Address | Estimated Time |
| Stop 6 – FDNY Engine 95 / Ladder 36 / Foam 95 | 29 Vermilyea Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10034 | Approx. 3:10 AM |
| Stop 7 – Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, Company 4 | 97 Jayson Avenue, Great Neck, NY 11021 | Approx. 5:40 AM |
| Stop 8 – Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department | 2 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 | Approx. 7:40 AM |
| FINISH – PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Memorial | 621 NY-25A, Rocky Point, NY 11778 | Approx. 10:00 AM |
The Fort Montgomery host location is still being finalized. The American Legion at 136 Old NY-218, Highland Falls, NY 10928 is listed as the alternate location. Additional location information will be updated as final coordination is completed.
The Coalition recognizes the fire departments, first responders, Dwyer Programs, community organizations, and individuals supporting the journey. Their willingness to welcome participants demonstrates what Tour de Valor is intended to represent: communities showing up for those who have served and their families.
One Million Voices
Tour de Valor is not a race, nor is it a traditional fundraising event. It is a statewide awareness initiative built around connection, belonging, and the power of community. It honors all who have served, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and encourages Veterans, Service Members, Military Families, caregivers, first responders, peer supporters, and communities to come together, get out, connect, and raise their voices around mental health, suicide prevention, peer support, and reducing isolation.
The overnight journey carries an important meaning. For someone struggling with their mental health, a difficult night can feel incredibly long. Support is not always needed between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Sometimes it is needed in the middle of the night, when someone feels alone, exhausted, or uncertain about what comes next.
Throughout Tour de Valor, there will be another rider beside you, a support vehicle nearby, a fire department opening its doors, or another community waiting farther down the road. That is the message behind the journey: even when the road is difficult, no one should have to travel it alone.
Tour de Valor’s message is simple: “We are not trying to raise one million dollars. We are raising One Million Voices.” Every individual, organization, first responder, Veteran, family member, caregiver, and community that shares the message becomes part of that voice.
Follow Tour de Valor
Community members and supporters across New York will be able to view the planned Tour de Valor route and follow the team’s progress during the journey.
Official Tour de Valor Route Map:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1OtJxVPwQs7eaDRhpp8DsxmEMX80UPd0&usp=sharing
Live Tour de Valor Tracking:
https://live.garmin.com/TourdeValor
The route map allows supporters and participating communities to see the planned journey and stops. During the event, live Garmin tracking will allow the public to follow the team’s progress and better anticipate arrival times. Supporters are encouraged to follow the journey, welcome the team at participating locations, when possible, share the message, and help add their voices to One Million Voices.
Gavin T. Walters Sr., MSW, U.S. Air Force Veteran and Executive Director of the Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families, Inc., said, “Tour de Valor is about more than the miles we will travel. It is about the journey so many Veterans, Service Members, Military Families and caregivers experience, and the reminder that none of us has to make that journey alone. As Veterans, we understand the power of having someone beside you who has walked a similar path. That is what peer support is all about. We are honored to carry that message from Albany to the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Memorial and to recognize the communities, first responders and supporters who stand with our military-connected families every day.”
Colonel Sam Whitehurst– US Army (Ret.)– Vice President | Center for Military and Veterans Services “To efficiently identify and meet the needs of Veterans and their families, it’s critical to think local — it’s all about community,” said Sam Whitehurst, Vice President, Programs and Services, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services (CMVS). “The work we do, the impact we have, so much of that relies on local community organizations and providers on the ground. Partnering with organizations like Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families to make the lives of Veterans and their families better, CMVS knows an event like Tour de Valor is more than a simple bicycle ride; it’s a meaningful journey rooted in collaboration, connection, and community. That’s how we make the lives of Veterans and their families better.”
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Dr. Viviana M. DeCohen, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, said, “At DVS, we have made this a Year of Wellness for All Who Served because wellness must extend to everyone we serve and everyone who serves alongside us: our Veterans, Service Members, Military Families, our DVS team members, our partners and our communities. Wellness is not a destination, and it does not look the same for every person. It is about caring for the whole person – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually – and knowing that reaching out and accepting support can be an important part of that journey. Tour de Valor gives us another opportunity to carry that message across New York. We are proud to stand with the Dwyer Coalition and our partners in promoting connection, peer support, hope and holistic wellness while reminding every member of our military-connected community that they never have to travel their path alone.”
Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership, the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program was successfully expanded statewide, increasing access to confidential, non-clinical peer support for Veterans throughout New York. The program connects Veterans with fellow Veterans who can offer understanding, connection and support informed by shared experiences.
About the Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families:
The Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families works to reduce Veteran suicide, improve mental health, address substance use, and strengthen the well-being of military-connected communities by supporting New York’s Joseph P. Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Veterans Support Program network. We accomplish this by connecting organizations, facilitating statewide collaboration, developing shared resources, leveraging technology, supporting advocacy, and creating innovative opportunities that strengthen local Dwyer Programs and the people they serve. Learn more by visiting: https://www.josephpdwyerpeerproject.org/about-us.
About Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services (CMVS):
Across the nation, CMVS partners with every sector of society, delivers technical assistance and training, shares resources, and provides strong leadership to those who serve and support Veterans and their families. With our ongoing support, partners empower, integrate, and assist Veterans and their families as they pursue their goals. Powered by The Fedcap Group, CMVS addresses critical gaps in Veteran support by uniting partners, leveraging resources, and driving systemic change. Learn more: www.dixoncenter.org.
About the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services:
The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services proudly serves New York’s Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families, connecting them with benefits, services, and support. All Who Served should contact the Department at 888-838-7697 or via its website – veterans.ny.gov – to meet in-person or virtually with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to receive the benefits they have earned. Follow DVS on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Threads, YouTube, and Bluesky.
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