Community Corner

Wounded Warrier Project: Hundreds Ride In Honor of Lt. Joseph Theinert

Share your memories of Lt. Theinert in the comments section.

Hundreds turned out, in wheelchairs and on bikes, to join forces for the Wounded Warrior Project's Solider Ride North Fork on Saturday.

The event honored Lt. Joseph Theinert, a Shelter Island resident who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country three years ago.

Theinert was killed while leading the 10th Mountain Division on an assault in an enemy position near Arif Kala in Afghanistan. 

After his death members of the Shelter Island and Sag Harbor — where Theinert's father James Theinert lives — communities mourned the loss of the 24-year-old hero. 

Friends and loved ones shared memories on Facebook on the anniversary of his death in June.

"Joe Theinert, knowing you has made me a better person and I’m eternally grateful to have had you in my life. Thank you for being an amazing soldier, and more importantly, a phenomenal friend. Missing you, today and always," wrote Krystal Olivieri on Facebook.

The Wounded Warrior Project website described Lt. Theinert: "From a young age, Joe Theinert emulated soldiers for Halloween, high school reenactments, and through his vast knowledge of military history."

Theinert was a high school sophomore on September 11, 2001, the site states. That was when "Joe truly realized the impact of a country at war. It left an indelible impression and solidified his determination to protect his country as his father’s FDNY friends and coworkers were killed that fateful day. Joe wrote, 'There is nothing glorious about war but I will go to it to keep the people I love away from it,'" the site states.

Theinert was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Albany. He received his active duty assignment to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum assigned to the 1-71 CAV, Banshee Troop, 2nd Platoon. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on March 28, 2010, the site states.

"On June 4, 2010, after undergoing hostile fire from rocket propelled grenades, Joe’s platoon continued on dismounted foot patrol when an IED detonated and killed Joe on impact. This heroic act saved the men of Joe’s platoon as no one else was physically harmed or killed," the Wounded Warrior memorial reads.

The race began and ended in Greenport, with participants cycling though Southold.

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