TOPEKA -- It happened while Lt. Dan Cnossen was serving his country as a member of Seal Team One.

Last September 6th, Dan returned to Kandahar, Afghanistan. With less than 36 hours on the ground, his team received their first mission task targeting Taliban operatives. During the mission, this Shawnee Heights High graduate activated a land mine and lost both his legs, also sustaining traumatic internal injuries.

Lt. Daniel Cnossen is currently recovering at the National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where he's fighting a new battle. His friends and family are marveling at Dan's unbelievable strength in what will surely be a long and difficult recovery.

This Saturday, October 24th, those friends will converge on "20s West" at 901 SW Fairlawn to roll out in a benefit freedom ride for "Lt. Dan." They will leave 20s West for the American Legion Post 400 on Highway 24, then on to Kickstart Saloon at 2521 N. Kansas Avenue. Their next stops are in Ozawkie: The American Legion Post 225 on Old Town Trail, then Grainery Saloon at Apple Valley Farm on Apple Valley Lane.

Registration begins Saturday morning at 10:00, with a free breakfast included in the $15 registration fee. The ride starts at noon. Thanks for much for helping "Lt. Dan!" (Find out more at www.dancnossen.org)