Team 4 Mil RAAM (DONATE)
Most folks know that I’m an active duty US Marine of almost 16 years. I’ve had the pleasure of serving the Marine Corps on both coasts and overseas. I’ve had the opportunity to serve in Iraq twice and work with some of the finest and bravest people in the world. When I signed up for the military, I never envisioned I’d spend my career there, but I’ve been blessed with a love for the service and a love for my fellow Marines.
Most folks know that I’m also an avid cyclist. I rode a bike a lot as a kid, but that was just getting around the small town I grew up in. It wasn’t until I found myself in my 20’s, putting on weight fast, that I switched to cycling as a lifestyle. Since 1999, cycling has been a part of my life in some form or fashion. In 2005, cycling really became a passion and - my wife would say - almost a part time job. I’m happy to have a “hobby” that puts me around some fantastic people in racing and touring, as well as keeps me in great physical condition.
Rarely do we get to combine our hobbies and careers, but I’ve been offered just such the opportunity this year. A racing teammate dropped me the opportunity to take part in the Team 4 Mil (www.team4mil.org) RAAM effort. For those that don’t know, RAAM stands for Race Across American (www.raceacrossamerica.org). It’s the world’s premiere endurance cycling challenge, happening annually in June. It’s over 3000 miles, across 14 states and over 100,000 feet of climbing. It will take teams less than 9 days to complete, with riders on the bike 24 hrs/day. (It also has solo competitions, but I’m not THAT crazy). Yes, it’s longer than the Tour de France in less than half the time with no rest days!
This year, RAAM has opened up an Armed Forces Cup and Team 4 Mil is intent on winning it. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg really. Team 4 Mil’s mission also extends to supporting a charity close to our hearts, the Wounded Warrior Project. The Wounded Warrior Project supports our fellow service members that have made enormous sacrifices in the service of our country.
The Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) supports troops in everything from advocacy, mentoring, career assistance, to rehabilitation support and an almost endless array of other services. They’re there from the moment a warrior goes into recovery with their Wounded Warrior Backpacks and onward into the transition to life beyond the military. These service members are the heritage of our nation, and we have an opportunity to showcase our support for them through our dedication of this RAAM competition to their cause.
The nitty gritty - how can you help?
First and foremost, help us in supporting the Wounded Warrior Program and reaching our team goal of raising $100,000 for their cause. You can donate through our site, http://www.team4mil.org, by clicking “Donate” on the navigation bar. We have an aggressive goal, but we’re aggressive people. In the Marine Corps, we have the leadership standards of “Mission Accomplishment” and “Troop Welfare.” Rarely do we get the opportunity to do both so clearly at the same time. Please assist us there - no donation is too small, and of course - none is too big either!
Second, you can help support us with the financial needs to actual race the event. The support and logistics of racing across the country are pretty sizable. If you’d like to help us accomplish that, we certainly welcome that help. You can contact me directly via e-mail (tom@cycleanywhere.com) and I will point you at our team point of contact for donations to make sure the money gets in the right place.
You’ll all undoubtedly see more from me on this over the next couple months as we finalize all the preparation necessary to get from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland, and be the first military team to finish this year!
