The following is all taken from the Wounded Warrior Project website:
The Wounded Warrior Project serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their families. On that date, America watched in horror as approximately 3,000 people died including hundreds of firefighters and rescue workers. Many warriors note a sense of duty to volunteer for the military following these tragic events.
Sept. 11 also served as a stimulus for Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. Operation Iraqi Freedom refers to military operations in Iraq that began March 19, 2003 and officially ended August 31, 2010. Operation Enduring Freedom refers to combat operations in Afghanistan and other regions in support of the Global War on Terror. Operation New Dawn refers to the conclusion of operations in Iraq beginning September 1, 2010 and ending December 15, 2011.
For WWP, there is a distinct difference between members and alumni; the term alumni indicates a mutual shared experience and denotes your place in an organization was earned. There are no dues here-those were paid by wearing the uniform on the battlefield.
Monies raised go to help meet the needs of injured service members. It provides unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.
Why I chose this cause? My dad served 5 years in the Marine Corps. and 5 years in the US Army. I had many uncles that also served in all branches of the military (my mom is one of 11 and dad is one of 12 children), military service was a good choice for their families.
My younger brother, Kevin, just out of high school in the very early 1990's enlisted in the Marine Corps and served on the front lines of Operation Desert Storm.
I have cousins who are also now serving in all branches of the military.
I have always wanted to do something to pay my respects for the service that my family members have completed. Ironman Lake Placid takes place on July 28th. It starts with a 2.4 mile swim, then goes on to a 112 mile bike leg, and finishes with a marathon run 26.2.
My fundraising webpage is found at: http://ironman.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1045080&lis=1&kntae1045080=D4A162F0411749069D539AD4D9907623&supId=373356438 (hyperlink)
My hope is to raise money, awareness, and hopefully inspire others to attempt to do things they thought impossible to do.