Allow me to introduce myself, Ron Shover, and my exciting fundraising effort for Operation Second Chance Inc.  I am 34 year old married, proud father of three girls.  I have 10 years of prior service in the United States Marine Corps.  During my service, I was a recipient of two South West Asia Campaign Ribbons, a Kuwait Liberation Medal (K) and a Navy Accommodation Medal.  I recently started competing in the sport of triathlon, and through my efforts, I have decided to use my training and races this year as a platform to raise money and awareness for our wounded veterans. 

In my search for the right charity, I have found that there are many deserving organizations.  However, I could only choose one.  So, I have chosen Operation Second Chance to be the beneficiary of my efforts and your support.  As a former Marine, I found the mission of Operation Second Chance to be something that I am very passionate about.  There is something to be said for a man or woman who willingly place themselves in harms way to protect the rights of others.   The selfless commitment and sacrifice that our troops furnish, to keep our country safe, should not go in vain.    These servicemen and women now need our help.   Operation Second Chance has made helping our wounded service men and women their mission. 

“Operation Second Chance began as a mission of hope” started by a woman by the name of Cindy McGrew.  Through offering support and assistance to veterans and their families, while at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Cindy had set the foundation of an outstanding organization.  She would later be joined by Debbie and Alaina Sacramo and they would visit the veterans and their families’ daily, providing assistance in any way.  “In March 2005 it became apparent that this simple mission could become something much larger than any of the individuals involved imagined” and Operation Second Chance Inc, a non-profit organization, was started in March 2005.  They have made their goal providing “support for the Soldiers and Marines while they are here at WRAMC and then to further assist them when they transition either back to duty or back to civilian life.”   Feel free to read more about them and the great things they are doing at www.operationsecondchance.org.

My goal is simple. I plan on training for and competing in the Nations Triathlon, on 9/14/08, in Washington DC and finishing in the best time I possibly can.  As part of my race season, I will also be competing in at least two local events, the Pinchot Park Triathlon and the Harrisburg Triathlon and B-Fit Day, which is a 3 mile swim, 34 mile bike ride and 4 mile run in 24 hours.  You can read more about each of these under my planned race schedule.  I believe that, through my training and my races, I can raise the awareness and support that Operation Second Chance needs to continue in aiding the veterans and families during their stay at Walter Reed.  I have set a personal goal of +$5,000.  I know that this is a high goal but with the support of individuals and organizations like yourselves, we will succeed.

Because every little bit helps, I have made a Sponsorship Package Proposal of several levels of support for you to review and consider, located here. 

Once again, thank you for your support, no donation is too small.  Because of my commitment to this event, I will race regardless of the amount raised.  I am just one veteran trying to do my part in giving back to those who were wounded during their service to this great country.   Without your contributions and help, Operation Second Chance can't provide the assistance that our wounded service men and women need and deserve.  It is the least we can do for them and Please remember that all money will go directly to supporting a wounded veteran and their family through Operation Second Chance.  Your help is much appreciated and just a few clicks away.  

Just click the "Here", select the “SPONSOR ME NOW” link, and enter your information.  That quick and that easy, your contribution will go directly to Operation Second Chance, where they can immediately put the money to helping our wounded veterans.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. 

 
Thanks,

Ron ~ "Semper Fi"

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this site information to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Lastly, Please check back for the latest pertaining to the events, my training, Operation Second Chance and most importantly my fundraising effort.