A Message from Michael Gorham
Greetings,
My name is Michael Gorham. I turned 46 years old in July. I work as a deputy sheriff and volunteer as an EMT-B in rural Wisconsin. What does that have to do with the NWSF? Well, I will tell you. In 2002, I met Jack Lynch, Rudy Boesch, and Robert Clark while I was the police chief of a little town in Wisconsin. At the time Jack, Rudy, and Doc were traveling down the Mississippi on a promotional tour and conducting waterborne public safety training. It was called Zodiac’s Bulletproof Tour. After meeting the group we were invited out to dinner with them in Dubuque Iowa. It was at dinner Doc was the first to introduce and explain about the NWSF and what it does. We (I and officers from my Department) started pulling out our “beer money” to donate.
The evening had concluded with the exchange of Departmental Tee shirts and Navy SEAL shirts I promised Jack that I would do something regarding a fundraiser for the NWSF, After all my grandfather was a sailor in World War I on the USS Vermont as I was told by my father.
Within the next year I was able to raise about $500.00 for the association. I got to know Jack better through emails going back and forth. Jack stopped at my Department during the summer of 2003 and we got to visit some more. As time passed I moved on to my current assignment now as a deputy sheriff. Unfortunately because of that I lost touch with Jack. It was because of my limited association with these three men, I started again to donate to the NWSF. I would occasionally call in and tell Robin to say hello to Jack. I received one last email in 2008 from Jack.
As most of you know now, Jack passed away in March of this year. Jack was not just a good man but a great man. He devoted a lifetime of service without a lot of fanfare. A warrior passes away and there is little media attention. A celebrity goes to jail and the media is a buzz. Where did our national values go to?
About this same time, the NWSF started their One Team One Fight Fundraiser. I got on board and came up with an extended part of OTOF, Lone Warrior Challenge-1000 miles for 1000 dollars. It works like the Army’s run for your life program, I log miles while biking, running and swimming and collect sponsorship along the way.
It is to specifically honor Jack, a real patriot. I would like to recognize Rudy Boesch, Robert Clark aka Doc.
Much like being a cop, each day personnel of the Naval Special Warfare Community go into harm/s way to protect a nation where the individual enjoys unprecedented rights. Each year, there is a cost for that protection, and the currency is paid in lives. The families of these men suffer the most as the have sacrificed on what is called “the alter of freedom”.
Specifically, I am calling out to my “fellow warriors” whether they are police, fire, or EMS or otherwise. We stand together as One Team One Fight and take care of or own. Who better knows than a fellow warrior the sacrifices placed on our families?
Please donate to today, help me reach the goal of $1000.00. Small steps lead to a great distance. Bet against me or bet for me, the money goes to a great cause. Or if you are ambitious enough, start your own Lone Warrior Challenge-do it.
If an out of shape middle age guy from Wisconsin can do, you can to. Since July 1, 2010 I have logged my first 100 plus miles biking and riding.
I would like to thank Chief Walter Fischer of the Blanchardville Police Department for my first $100.00 donation.
Stay tuned for more updates.
