Two Navy veterans reunited after three decades to cycle across America in honor of the upcoming 25th anniversary of 9/11. Their journey from San Diego to New York City also raised awareness and more than $17,000 for Tunnel to Towers.

Jim Serger, 55, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Cory Hardy, 51, of Ennis, Montana, had not seen each other in 30 years since serving together overseas. On July 14, 2026, the longtime friends began their ride east from San Diego.

Serger had written three books for the nonprofit Tunnel to Towers, but he felt compelled to challenge himself "with something bigger." In January, he invited Hardy, an experienced cyclist and his former Navy colleague, to join the expedition.

Hardy said he has always considered himself "incredibly patriotic" because the military gave him opportunities to travel the world and receive an education. The ride held added meaning because of the 250th anniversary of the country and the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

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Preparing for the challenge required months of work. Serger trained for 10 months and logged 5,000 miles on an indoor trainer before moving to trails around Cincinnati when spring arrived.

Once on the road, the veterans encountered 20 road closures, a fire and flooding in Colorado. They also dealt with two flat tires, three visits to bike shops and extensive maneuvering along backroads.

Hydration became a priority in the heat of California and Arizona, where Serger and Hardy collectively drank three gallons of water each day, sometimes with electrolytes. They ate energy waffles, protein bars, "salt gummy bears" and meals containing plenty of carbohydrates.

Hardy took ice baths every day, while Serger lost six pounds by the conclusion of the mission. Serger said he gained the weight back while eating "good food" in New York.

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The elevation presented another test, although Hardy was accustomed to mountainous conditions from living in Montana. "It was grueling ... so hard," Serger told Fox News Digital, explaining that Hardy handled the Colorado mountains while he remained on flat ground as part of their plan.

The journey also became a reunion with other veterans. An old Navy friend who works as an Arizona state trooper drove from Phoenix to Flagstaff to meet them, while other friends opened their homes and provided places for the cyclists to stay overnight.

Serger and Hardy visited about 25 firehouses, distributing Tunnel to Towers books and meeting first responders and community members. Their conversations covered Tunnel to Towers, where people had been on 9/11 and the amount of training required of first responders.

Those meetings reflected the commitment to service that both veterans said they carry in their own lives. Hardy serves on a city council, while Serger’s wife prepares food for the fire department each month.

Firefighters and other emergency personnel welcomed them with patches, hats, pins and shirts. Hardy noted that people at every firehouse were willing to help regardless of the political affiliation of their state.

As the veterans moved closer to Shanksville, the Pentagon and New York, the trip became increasingly emotional. People shared personal stories about relatives who had been present during the attacks, while one firefighter spoke about three colleagues who went to New York.

At the Pentagon, the Pentagon Police and Pentagon Fire Department provided Serger and Hardy with a police escort. They then received a tour lasting five hours that included the 9/11 memorial.

The pair covered about 170 miles each day and reached Lower Manhattan in 20 days. At FDNY Ten House, across from Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, they were welcomed by the FDNY, Port Authority and NYPD Honor Guard.

"I started crying," Serger said. His wife had flown to New York, and former New York City Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano joined firefighters and civilians for the emotional welcome.

Beyond raising money, the expedition sought to maintain awareness of those who sacrificed and risked their lives on 9/11. "We never forget 9/11," Serger said. "We never forget the sacrifice of our heroes, of our military, our first responders and gold star families."

Serger described the experience as "surreal" and emotional. He said the final lesson was that love, pride and patriotism could be found across the country, with people welcoming the veterans throughout their journey.