Andrew "Popeye" Hansen started in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, where the Wright brothers first took flight in 1903. Four days and 344 miles later, he finished at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

Hansen, a principal research engineer at GTRI's Eglin Field Office and retired Air Force Brigadier General, rode the full Air Force Heritage Memorial to Memorial (M2M) Bike Ride this September. The four-day event brings together hundreds of military members and civilians to celebrate Air Force heritage, promote fitness and recruiting, and support wounded Airmen and Guardians through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program.

Gary Ashworth, director of GTRI's Washington Operations and former Acting Secretary of the Air Force, joined Hansen for 50 miles of the final leg into Washington, D.C. 

The Challenge

The ride connects two memorials: the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, where powered flight began, to the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, honoring all who have served in the skies since. Hansen rode all four days:

• Day 1: Kitty Hawk to Chesapeake, VA (91 miles)

• Day 2: Chesapeake to Richmond, VA (107 miles)

• Day 3: Richmond to Fredericksburg, VA (76 miles)

• Day 4: Fredericksburg to Washington, D.C. (77 miles)

Total elevation gain: more than 12,900 feet.

Hansen was joined by his brother-in-law, friends from Florida, and three college buddies from his Air Force ROTC days at the University of Colorado. Two of those college friends retired as Colonels. The third is still serving in the Pentagon as a Brigadier General in the Air Force Reserves.

"It was awesome to be able to reconnect with them and share our love of cycling, commitment to our country and support for our wounded veterans," Hansen said. "The crowd we brought from Florida made fast friends with my college buddies and we had an incredible week of riding with lasting memories.

The M2M Ride is not a race. Riders support each other through the challenge, building friendships and helping everyone finish each day. Many participants return year after year.

The hardest day came early. Day 2 from Chesapeake to Richmond covered 107 miles in the heat, following a 90-plus-mile ride with a strong headwind the day before.

"Having an amazing group of friends pushing each other the whole way was the best part of that day and the whole ride," Hansen said.

Why It Matters

Hansen retired as a Brigadier General after a distinguished Air Force career. Now he applies that expertise at GTRI's Eglin Field Office, supporting critical national security missions.

Ashworth brings similar credentials. He most recently served as Acting Secretary of the Air Force, overseeing an annual budget exceeding $200 billion and the welfare of nearly 700,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian Airmen and Guardians. Before that, he served more than 20 years in uniform. Now he leads GTRI's Washington Operations, engaging with federal agencies and defense leadership.

For GTRI, where many employees are veterans and the Institute's research directly supports warfighters, the M2M Ride connects to the mission. From space systems to electronic warfare to cybersecurity, GTRI's work protects and enables the Airmen and Guardians who serve today, including those recovering from wounds sustained in service.

The ride directly supports the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, which provides resources and advocacy for injured service members.

For Hansen, the ride combined two passions.

"I love riding bikes," he said. "This event combined that love with my continued commitment to support the U.S. military and the respect I have for our wounded veterans, especially those that continue to prioritize fitness. It was truly an amazing experience and something I would like to be a part of in the future."

Ashworth rode the final 50 miles of Day 4. 

"The M2M ride is an incredible event, bringing people together through fitness, camaraderie and a shared commitment to our wounded veterans," Ashworth said. "Supporting them matters so much because their service and sacrifice deserve more than our gratitude, they deserve lasting connection and our support. I'm proud that GTRI supports this amazing community and its mission." 

Service Continues 

At GTRI, where much of the work happens behind closed doors and classified walls, their participation demonstrates the values that drive the Institute's mission: service, sacrifice, and commitment to those who defend the nation.

For Hansen and Ashworth, the finish line at the Air Force Memorial was not about personal achievement. It was about showing up for those who have given more and will continue to need support long after the ride is over.

Learn more about the Air Force Heritage Memorial to Memorial Ride.