Racing for Wounded Veterans

Last spring I participated in one of the most emotional triathlon’s I’ve ever experienced. At Ironman Orlando 70.3 I raced with Irag and Afghanistan amputees for a foundation called Operation Rebound, a part of Challenge Athletes Foundation Florida. To be amongst veterans with missing arms and legs as the stood at attention for the national anthem was so very special. To race side by side with these same Soldiers, Sailors and Marines was a unique honor. I shed a few tears that day.

This year I am racing each of Operation Rebound’s five events plus a few more and raising funds to help get running and biking prosthesis for these veterans. These men and women are at the peak of athletic fitness to fight in combat. Their lives are turned upside down when the wake up in a hospital missing an arm or leg. The despair is overwhelming until a veteran from Operation Rebound arrives at their bedside telling them to get well quickly and do their rehab because they have been entered in a triathlon. They are expected to compete, no excuses. This visit tells the veteran that life is not over. They can become whole again. Additionally, some of these veterans remain on active duty and return to combat, in spite of the fact they are missing a leg.
I’ve decided to do every race Operation Rebound offers this year. I’m trying to raise enough funds to help at least one veteran get what they need to compete again all by myself.

My race schedule is below:

December 5 – Pasco Powerman Duathon December 9 - State Biking Time Trial Championships January 9 & 10 - Disney Marathon February 7 - Melbourne Marathon with Operation Rebound February 27 - Gasparilla Distance Classic with Operation Rebound March 13 - Jacksonville 15K with Operation Rebound April 25 - St Anthony's Tri with Operation Rebound May 8 - Gulf Coast Triathlon May 16 - Ironman 70.3 Orlando with Operation Rebound November 6, 2010 - Ironman Florida (2.4 mile Gulf swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run)

I hope you will donate to these deserving veterans. I will personally match any contribution you make up $750.00. You can go to my webpage to donate.

The web page is http://TeamCAFFlorida.kintera.org/drtom

Thanks so much,

Tom Murray