Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

The Cause
Some wounds are unseen. They can be the most painful — and the most destructive. Too many military heroes understand. These service members suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS), the invisible wounds of war. On Memorial Day weekend I'll run 150 miles across Michigan for veterans. In the preceding weeks I'll support the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF). I hope you'll join me.

The IFHF provides military personnel with expert care for TBI and PTS. Since 2000, the group has raised over $200 million for facilities and programs. With the most advanced, effective mental-health treatment, over 90 percent of IFHF patients continue on active duty.

Left unresolved, TBI and PTS are crippling. Simple tasks become daylong endeavors. Noise rattles around inside the brain like a pinball. Concentration is impossible. For those suffering, TBI and PTS mean depression, anxiety, or worse. The IFHF helps — in a big way.

On-base clinics afford those in need with immediate access to IFHF services. Eight treatment centers operate in seven states. But more centers are needed. Once funded, at least another two will be built. We can help.

The Event
The Veterans Memorial 150 is a lake-to-lake ultramarathon across Michigan. The race, which benefits various veterans charities, is a 150-mile run from Ludington to Bay City. I'll begin Saturday, May 29, and finish early Monday morning, Memorial Day.

The goal is to raise $50 for every mile. Together, let's reach the $7,500 target by Memorial Day. Contributions of any size to the IFHF are meaningful and appreciated. Feel free to share the fundraiser link, too.

Running is unbridled freedom. I run on trails that are free and safe because of those who serve and protect. Some don't come home to share in those freedoms. They make the ultimate sacrifice. For us. Others come home damaged and broken. Let's make a small sacrifice. For them.

As I prepare to run the Reebok Spartan Race in Cumberland, Ohio on October 4, 2014, I also set out to raise funds for a great organization, the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

For me, the day is about pushing myself through all three levels of Spartan Races, which will equate to running a marathon in terms of distance, while completing around 40-50 obstacles. Though this alone will be a great feat, I wanted it to be about something more.

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund was established in 2000 to assist the families of our fallen soldiers. Since that time, they have expanded their programming nationwide to include assistance for our injured men and women in uniform. These programs help to not only get families back on track, but also to ensure a better quality of life for our nation’s veterans.

With this in mind, I’ve set out to conquer both a physical and charitable goal. I will run a marathon of obstacles, all while raising funds to help our military members. My plan is to match you dollar for dollar in what you’re willing to donate. I challenge you, as I challenge myself, to help those who have sacrificed a great deal for our nation. Thank you for your support.

For a test of the last race check out this 4:35 minute video:

August 30, 2014 is the first annual Captain Erick Foster Memorial Ride.

On August 30, a small team will ride nearly 100 miles to honor a great man and a dear friend. Captain Erick Foster was killed in combat in August of 2007. Erick was a warrior, a leader, and an inspiration to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.

In his honor, all donations will go to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF). IFHF is an international renowned non-profit organization dedicated to the care of severely disabled warriors and their families - including soldiers who have lost limbs, are suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury and other catastrophic injuries.

If you are interested in joining this year's riding team, please contact me directly at [email redacted]

A link to IFHF's website can be found here: https://www.fallenheroesfund.org

For those who would like to learn more about Erick, you can use these links:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_nea8RCXIJE

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=435F-xlwsaw

http://projects.militarytimes.com/valor/army-capt-erick-m-foster/3004088