Read the following letter from Steve Bozeman, who completed his 16th Double Ironman last Sunday.
If you’d like to contribute to Sgt. Christopher Walker, see Steve’s address highlighted midway through.
“Hi, many of you know I’m an advocate on veterans issues, particularly supporting our troops since the 9/11 attack. We’ve lost 12 Marines and Soldiers from or have ties to Lynchburg area and I’ve been to a few of the funerals and know the sorrow the family suffers. As former Commander of the Military Order of Purple Heart (MOPH) Chapter in Lynchburg, we have 13 new young members that were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of them is Army SSGT. Christopher Walker from Altavista who was wounded on April 24, 2012 and is a triple amputee and still at Walter Reed Hospital doing rehab and facing more surgeries. I’m facebook friends with him and he has posted many photos of himself, which you can see if you go to his page (Staff Sgt Christopher Walker). He has a wife and young daughter and wanted to stay in the Army, but due to his injuries he will be medically retired. In recent months there have been many fundraiser for him and he is most grateful. I co-directed the 9/11 Heroes 5K Run on Sept. 8th in Forest and we raised enough donations to give both him and the widow of Marine SSGT. Greg Copes also from Altavista who was killed in Afghanistan Aug. 17, 2012 checks for $1,000. each.
I will be doing the “Double Ironman” triathlon this Sat. morning where I will swim 4.8 miles, bike 224 miles and run 52.4 miles at Lake Anna, Virginia State Park and will be my 16th finish. I want to raise donations to give SSGT. Christopher Walker ANOTHER $1,000. for his service to his Country. Your donations of $5. or more can help make this happen and every penny will be given directly to him and his family. You can make your tax deductible checks out to Military Order of Purple Heart and mail to my address (1129 Meriwether Circle, Lynchburg, Va. 24503). As you can see from the attached photo of Chris doing his rehab on the indoor track, I will have this photo with me to “motivate” me to keep moving, especially on the run when I have two good legs and no excuse whatsoever. Please motivate me and help Chris with your donations. When I asked him for permission to do this, he replied, “I have to say that’s amazing. I wish I could have done that with all my limbs! I would be proud, no humbled to have my name associated with you. Again, thank you so much.” NO, IT’S THE OTHER WAY AROUND, I’M PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS WOUNDED WARRIOR! THANKS AND SEMPER FIDELIS. “
