White Family Runs Again
by Jon White
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As a career Marine, I took to heart "Semper Fidelis" and the Semper Fi Fund exemplifies the intent of that phrase in a manner which I could not ignore. Although my story has brought me to the pages of newspapers (Stars & Stripes), news sites (War On Terror News), and Magazines (Marathon & Beyond - The Fall and Rise of a Leatherneck), my efforts began for myself and my donation drive is to afford other wounded Sailors and Marines the same opportunity I achieved. Personally, I think some find my story more compelling than do I. I was simply a Marine NCO doing what a Marine does; overcoming one more challenge to return to duty. When I was told that I could no longer run, |
running became all the more important to me. Rather than dreading the 3 mile run, I determined I'd run a marathon. That was for me. It wasn't a goal for anyone else. It wasn't to prove anything to anyone but myself and the doctors who told me I couldn't.
But I found that I enjoyed running. After finding out that I enjoyed running, I realized I could help my fellow Marines. A dear friend convinced me I should tell my story, not because I wanted sympathy or glory, but because it would help raise money for a worthy cause, an important Non-Profit that is taking care of my brothers. As far as I'm concerned, I'm not the story. The real story is that there still exist citizens of this great Nation that still love and Support Our Troops.
The real story is that there are still Men and Women willing to risk all to defend Our Constitution, Our Nation, and Our Citizens. They write a blank check at the Recruiters Office "up to their life" to do so. And when that check is cashed in the form of blood, arms, legs, or other, Our Warriors rarely ask for more than what is necessary to drive on. They expect Our Nation to provide what it has promised, but it is Organizations like the Semper Fi Fund that step in to provide them a little more, to help them achieve more of a normal life than what the government has promised.
No, my Brothers and Sisters are not likely to complain if no one gives them a "cheetah leg" and they don't expect a pat on the back. They do what they do because it is the right thing to do. They make the sacrifices they do, because it has to be done. Yes, if that check is cashed for a leg, the Military or VA will give them a prosthetic, but not a prosthetic with which they can run. The government has not promised a "cheetah leg."
There are many worthy organizations out there doing great things, both in the arena of Troop Support and other arenas. I ask that you support this one, not because others are unworthy, but because this one is filling an important hole between what Our Wounded Marines and Sailors are promised by the government and what they deserve for the sacrifices they've made in Support of Our Freedoms, Our Rights, Our Safety, and Security.
Thank You for taking the time to consider financially and/or publicizing support for this cause, this effort, for my personal drive to raise funds for a "cheetah leg" for my Warriors.
How much should you give? No more than you can afford and no less than you desire. Every dollar counts, so if you can only afford a few dollars, we are grateful. If you or your business can afford hundreds or thousands, that will get us all to the goal quicker. And if your business is interested, we are considering sponsors on our running gear during the marathons we'll run this year. Contact us for details.
Yes, I did say "we." See, this is not and never has been about me. My family and the Marines on my team also run marathons to help raise donations for this worthy cause. Together we can go far in this race.
The White Family's Donation site http://www.active.com/donate/SemperFiFund10/JandPWhite
Contact Information: [email protected]
For another challenge regarding Jon White http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2010/04/simple-challenge.html
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