LARNED — Several informal events are scheduled Saturday and Sunday for U.S. Army veteran Kevin Mincio and co-cyclist Matt Sauri. Before SSG Jesse Williams was killed during combat operations in Iraq, he and Mincio served together as members of the 5-20 Infantry Regiment.
They are cycling across America representing the Jesse Foundation to provide education and help for families of fallen soldiers and to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.
Courtland Holman, Chamber of Commerce directorm, has made arrangements at the Larned Pizza Hut from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday for a meet-and-greet with anyone interseted in visiting the cyclists.
“It is my hope that your will be able to go to Pizza Hut to buy a pizza if you want, but mostly to meet and talk to Team Jesse for this great cause,” Holman said.  “Hopefully, e-mails to the Chamber of Commerce members, the local VFW and American legion posts and the local papers will generate some enthusiasm and awareness for our visit.”
The cyclists will travel.”
They will travel 62 miles from Dodge City to Larned Saturday. They expect to tour the Santa Fe Trail Center Saturday.  They plan to visit the Fort Larned Historic Site Sunday morning. They will stay overnight in Larned Saturday and Sunday.