55 Miles for a Veteran

My name is Rich O’Connell, Chairman of the O’Connell Valor Fund, Inc. Each year I participate in an endurance event to both raise awareness of Veteran issues, and raise funds for a U.S. Veteran in need. On May 12th, 2018 I am running the M2M Ultra Marathon. This is a 55 mile ultra marathon from Manchester, NH up and over Mount Monadnock.

Please read about our Veteran “Shawn” below, and please consider a donation. Any amount is appreciated. 99% of your donation will go to Shawn, and is tax deductible - we are a (501(c)(3) Non-Profit : Tax ID: 47-1184653).

Shawn’s story: Let’s make it happen for Shawn!

“Shawn” is a combat veteran who served in the Army’s 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment during the beginning of the War on Terror. Shawn had a difficult transition after separating from the military and experienced periods of housing instability due to post traumatic stress. When Shawn went to seek services and compensation for both his physical and invisible wounds of war he discovered that his deployments and medical treatment had not been included in his military record and he struggled to get the care that he needed. It took Shawn thirteen years from his discharge to get this remedied and while he has been able to access care, he is still navigating the appeal process to get the compensation he deserves for the injuries incurred during service. Currently, Shawn has started the process of returning to school to finish his Bachelor’s degree in History. For Shawn, college represents a fresh start and an opportunity to embark on a new chapter in his life. Shawn has received some financial aid; however, limited finances remain a barrier to fully attaining this goal. Shawn would greatly benefit from additional assistance with the cost of tuition and school supplies.