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I'm John Takacs and I am a disabled veteran. I don't really like the term "Disabled", instead I refer to myself as a "Combat Wounded Vet".
I am an Ironman triathlete and could compete in the
'Disabled" group but instead choose not to. From my profile picture you can see I wear a purple heart jersey and my intention is to raise awareness for combat wounded veterans and of course money. There is not a race I do that I don't call upon my fellow brothers, in spirit, for their strength and support as I compete for those who can't.
I have earned a spot at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships that takes place in Australia, on September 4th.
In Feb. 1971 I was a crewmember on a Huey helicopter. I was wounded when we were shot down and crashed. I regained conciousness while still strapped in and upside down. At that time I had been "in country" for five and a half months. At six months we became eligible for an out of country R&R. I dreamed of going to Australia, a hope that kept my mind off the everyday madness of war. Instead I was sent back to the U.S. on a stretcher spending the next two months at a Naval hospital in Great Lakes, Illinios.
When I qualified for the Ironman World Championship 70.3 on May 7th in St. George, Utah I had tears streaming down my face as I realized that maybe my Vietnam journey is coming full circle at long last.
I will not need the full amount of money raised for my expenses. I intend to donate all the excess money raised to each of the following. Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veteran's of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans all of which I'm a life member. Also to the American Legion of which I'm a yearly member. On my jersey I also include Wounded Warriors, however until they restructure I am not funding them at this time.
I have never asked for any help or money in my life. With that in mind I feel guilty doing so now and because of that I would like to offer a gift in return. In 2009 I wrote a novel which received a "Gold Medal" from the Military Writers Society of America, the top award. Those who donate $50.00 or more I will send you a signed copy. (While supplies last.)
Over the years I have had many hundreds of people "Thanking me for my service." In America we all take turns protecting one another. It was my turn and it was the honor of my lifetime.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.
I am an Ironman triathlete and could compete in the
'Disabled" group but instead choose not to. From my profile picture you can see I wear a purple heart jersey and my intention is to raise awareness for combat wounded veterans and of course money. There is not a race I do that I don't call upon my fellow brothers, in spirit, for their strength and support as I compete for those who can't.
I have earned a spot at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships that takes place in Australia, on September 4th.
In Feb. 1971 I was a crewmember on a Huey helicopter. I was wounded when we were shot down and crashed. I regained conciousness while still strapped in and upside down. At that time I had been "in country" for five and a half months. At six months we became eligible for an out of country R&R. I dreamed of going to Australia, a hope that kept my mind off the everyday madness of war. Instead I was sent back to the U.S. on a stretcher spending the next two months at a Naval hospital in Great Lakes, Illinios.
When I qualified for the Ironman World Championship 70.3 on May 7th in St. George, Utah I had tears streaming down my face as I realized that maybe my Vietnam journey is coming full circle at long last.
I will not need the full amount of money raised for my expenses. I intend to donate all the excess money raised to each of the following. Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veteran's of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans all of which I'm a life member. Also to the American Legion of which I'm a yearly member. On my jersey I also include Wounded Warriors, however until they restructure I am not funding them at this time.
I have never asked for any help or money in my life. With that in mind I feel guilty doing so now and because of that I would like to offer a gift in return. In 2009 I wrote a novel which received a "Gold Medal" from the Military Writers Society of America, the top award. Those who donate $50.00 or more I will send you a signed copy. (While supplies last.)
Over the years I have had many hundreds of people "Thanking me for my service." In America we all take turns protecting one another. It was my turn and it was the honor of my lifetime.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.