Back in July of 2010, I started out on a journey to pay homage to an old friend who passed away in March, almost a year ago.  That friend was Jack Lynch retired US Navy SEAL Officer and a founding member of the Naval Special Warfare Foundation.   I made the decision to commit to running, biking, and eventually swimming a total of 1000 miles to raise a $1000 dollars.  I wanted to do this before July 1, 2011.

As of January 31, 2011, I raised $1036 dollars and logged 714 miles. Right now because of a running injury, I have been sidelined.  I will complete the remaining 286 miles in silence as homage to the Navy SEALS and to the type of missions the Naval Special Warfare personnel completes. This effort brought me through Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Pennsylvania.  I met number of patriotic Americans along the way who were support of the military community.

To the Naval Special Warfare Community, you and your families, thank you for your service and your sacrifice.  It has been my privilege and honor to support you.   I have had the great honor of meeting and associating with a number of Navy SEALS across the generations I understand much of what you do goes with out thanks, or acknowledgement.

I hope American’s realize that those who serve are more than just a “name on the marble”.   They are dynamic dedicated people with families and face the same everyday problems while facing a serious threat to our Nation.

Truly my efforts were not a singular venture, but rather a TEAM effort of many different people.  In a time of conflict in our world, I hope this is an example of how people coming together can achieve something great.  I close honoring the people who supported me in the efforts to support your families:

• Chief Walter Fischer  Blanchardville Police Department
• The Deputies of the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office (WI)
• Chief Kevin Atkinson and the Officers of the Cuba City Police Department
• The Pennsylvania State Police Western SERT Detachment
• The Pittsburgh PA Police SWAT Team
• Executive Director John Gnagey and the National Tactical Officers Association
• CEO Dan Costa of 5.11 Tactical
• ALS Technologies Arkansas
• North American Rescue South Carolina
• US Coast Guard Auxiliary- Dubuque Iowa Flotilla
• Mrs. Karen Hull and Family
• Mrs. Debra Johnson and Family
• Mrs. Christy Kies and Family
• Mrs. Judy Hudson and Family
• Mr. Ron and Mrs. Barb Markus Family
• Mr. John J Guild and Family
• Mr. Michael Conklin and Family
• Mr. Mark Stutenberg and Family
• Mr. Conner Pahnke  and students from Shullsburg School District

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.

This is the first of many updates on the happenings with One Team One Fight (OTOF).  For those of you are familiar with the team and what it’s about – great.  For those of you that are new, here is a little bit of background on what OTOF is about:

1.       Build awareness about NSW Foundation and their mission to help the Navy SEAL community

2.       Raise funds for NSW Foundation through sponsorship and team events

3.       Provide an outlet for servicemen that do incredible things for this country

4.       Provide the opportunity for SEALs that have been injured to participate in team events

The main focus of the team is adventure racing (if you’ve seen EcoChallenge and/or PrimalQuest, you know what I am talking about).  Adventure racing combines multiple endurance disciplines (mountain biking, paddling, hiking, etc.) with the technical aspects of navigation and planning.  But the team is going to race in other disciplines as well – mountain bike races, triathlons, marathons, etc.   You name it the team will race it.

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be updating race reports and photos from the 2010 schedule.

Additionally, we have exciting news about events planned for 2010.  Stayed tuned….

If you have any questions or comments about the team, please contact us at otof@nswfoundation.org

Thanks in advance for your support.  Until next time – bye.

OTOF

P.S. If you haven’t checked out the rest of the NSW Foundation’s website, I would encourage you to do it.