Rusty Dogs of War with Caleb Cline

When Caleb Cline, a US Army Veteran and West Point Graduate, Class of 2014 medically discharged as an Infantry Captain in 2019 due to training injuries, he was told by countless medical professionals what he couldn’t do. Faced with despair, he found a new purpose and, in 2020, founded the “Rusty Dogs of War.” This movement brings together individuals who, like him, felt lost, overlooked, or denied a fair chance at achieving their dreams due to disabilities.

Caleb’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of teamwork. After receiving his first Recumbent Trike in 2020 through the VA Recreational Therapy Program, he embarked on an incredible ultra-racing career. From facing initial skepticism at the Silver State 508 to ultimately completing the Race Across the West in 2023 with a teammate, Caleb discovered the magic of combining unique strengths to rewrite individual stories. This experience sparked the idea for the “Race Across America Relay.”

With two years of careful athlete selection and intensive planning, the Rusty Dogs of War defied expectations. In 7 days, 14 hours, and 34 minutes, this extraordinary team, many meeting for the first time just days before the event, completely transformed how Race Across America has ever been completed. They proved that when the mission and legacy outweigh individual concerns, the impossible can be achieved.

Caleb’s life mission is to change the face of paracycling for the world, demonstrating that even if our bodies, minds, and souls are a bit “Rusty,” we all still have a “Dog in the fight” and must show up daily to win the war for ourselves. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Caleb’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and inspiring others to achieve their dreams.

This program was organized by Phoebe Piper #1244.