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Andrea McCarren

Digital Storyteller, Recovering Journalist, Volunteer Puppy Raiser, Veterans' Advocate

07/23/2025

I am not a morning person. But on the road at 6am each day to beat the heat. 90+ degrees and rides topping 100 miles. Focused on gratitude and thrilled to meet so many veterans along the way! 🇺🇸

07/22/2025

After I did this interview with Jose Canseco, I thanked him saying I know he’s done thousands of these. I was delighted when he said, “I’ve never been asked about THIS.” 🐾❤️

07/22/2025

Among the inspiring cyclists I’ve met on this 400+ mile ride across Iowa is 93-year-old Kenneth Gregersen, an Army Veteran who served in the Korean War. I’ve experienced so many random acts of kindness. With all that’s going on in the world, it’s both transformative and heartwarming. Will share some of them in the days ahead. 🇺🇸

07/22/2025

Highlights of day one included riding with the Air Force and Space Force cycling teams. Visiting places like May City, Iowa: population 64. Small town, enormous pride! The first 75 miles were hard but meeting countless veterans from across the country makes it all worthwhile. 🇺🇸

07/19/2025

Do you have a Gretchen in your life? That friend who believes in you more than you believe in yourself? For me, that’s Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, Purple Heart recipient, founder of Team Unbroken, author, inspirational speaker. We first met in May when The PenFed Foundation honored her at our gala. Tomorrow, we’ll start cycling more than 400 miles across Iowa, documenting the veterans and other American heroes we meet along the way. Hope you’ll join us for this life-affirming adventure!

The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes

07/18/2025

There’s a funny backstory to how I met Billy Bob. Probably because of my PTSD, I get very anxious in crowds. My friend and etiquette expert Nancy Mitchell taught me to walk up and introduce myself to someone standing alone so I’d feel more comfortable. I was at a group dinner with my dear friend Tony La Russa. Strolled up to a man by himself and introduced myself. “Hi,” he said. “I’m Billy.” He was a master storyteller and had me laughing within minutes. Talked about being a teenager working at Shakey’s Pizza and his being a musician. At some point, I felt a pit in my stomach and asked, “Are you Billy BOB?!” He smiled and said, “Yes, I am.”

07/04/2025

75 mile training ride. Sunny and 85 degrees. Powered by a peanut butter and Nutella sandwich and vegan Huma energy gels! A fellow cyclist saw my RAGBRAI shirt and pulled over. Turns out Ken from Manassas and I are both pedaling across Iowa in a few weeks. We biked together for miles today and shared highlights of past Iowa adventures. I’ll never forget struggling up a very steep hill, huffing and puffing. A young guy pulled up next to me and said, “you got this!“ I was breathing so hard I could barely grunt a reply. Then he said he was going to stay with me till I made it to the top of the hill. When we got there together, his group of friends all cheered. That’s why I ride RAGBRAI.

07/01/2025

Random act of kindness alert: on Thursday, I did a 50-mile training ride… navigating extreme heat, sudden storms, high winds, downed trees. Didn’t realize until I got home that I’d lost my cell phone case with my drivers license and a credit card inside. Three days later, I got a call from a stranger who’d found them off the trail, covered in debris. She’d taken the time to track me down online and when I stopped by her house to collect my belongings (and bring her flowers), she’d even cleaned my case. There are good people in the world. ❤️

06/29/2025

The best part of raising service dogs: the awesome humans you meet along the way, including Service Dog Bunce’s favorite person, Dan. We’ve now been close friends for a decade! Grateful that Dan and his phenomenal wife Kelly supply me with regular photos and updates!

06/26/2025

On a hot summer night, this is what it’s like training Pilot. A typical Lab/Golden Retriever cross, this boy aims to please and is relentlessly happy. Hope his expression fills your heart with joy today.

06/22/2025

Kindness strikes again! The lovely Bonnie Hall, an Indiana woman I’ve not yet had the privilege of meeting in person, has knitted not one but two exquisite new blankets for visitors to the McCarren Bed and Biscuit! With all that’s going on in the world, I wanted you to know that extraordinary humans like Bonnie still exist. She’s the widow of a fallen firefighter and has made a blanket for every single one of my service dogs. How kind is that?!

Models: Pilot (left) and Armand (right)

06/20/2025

ATTENTION: St. Louis Cardinals fans! Baseball legend Tony La Russa and I are teaming up again to support veterans and shelter animals! Check out this incredible event on Wednesday, July 16th and please tell your friends!

VETERANS: The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes and others are donating tickets for you. Message me if you’d like any.

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