The annual Babylon Soldier Ride returned in full swing Friday for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

More than 500 bicyclists rode from Lindenhurst to Overlook Beach, raising money for Wounded Warriors. This year, more than 30 wounded soldiers took part in the 25-mile ride.

The Soldier Ride brings together the brave men and woman who serve our country in an effort to raise money and increase awareness to aid veterans through their recovery process, including those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Tonya Oxendine suffered from PTSD and says the Wounded Warrior Project helped her climb out of a dark hole.

"I dealt with some issues, some invisible wounds because we have the visible and invisible wounds," Oxendine says. "I'm just so grateful a program like the Wounded Warrior Project exists."

Army veteran Monica Southall agrees. She was injured in Afghanistan in 2009 and says she has been able to do so many things through the Wounded Warrior Project that she never thought she would be able to do.

As of 3 p.m. Friday, over $80,000 has been raised, which is $30,000 more than their original goal.