Battle for Veterans

The morning started with a 5k walk. My competitive instinct said “think of it as a race.” I did my level best to keep up with the best of the best concluding with a new mindset of respect.

Here’s what I learned:

• The world is different in a chair as the general public tends to look over you. Friends in a chair took the time to visit and shake my hand – as we had something in common. Those standing were less inclined to engage other than a sympathetic glance or two. It seemed to me that there was another world above us.
• I have total respect for those who can play bastketball in a chair. It is no joke – they are real athletes possessing a tremendous amount of skill. Wheelchair basketball is a full all out physical sport; as entertaining as anything I’ve watched or attempted.
• I better understand why our service men and women fight so hard to get back up to eye level through the use of the remarkable prosthetic devices.

Thank you Annie for all that you do for Paralympic Sports worldwide. You are a champion in my mind and so are the athletes that take on the challenges and opportunities made available by your work.

Coaches call to action: Call me to learn more 916-532-3514

Allegiant Battle for Veterans will be out in force supporting the Military Appreciation Day with the Sacramento RiverCats on Monday, May 28th at 1:05 PM. This is a sneak peak at the 30 second slot designed for scoreboard play. For that matter – join us over the weekend for 3 days of fun. Support Allegiant Battle for Veterans in Helping Heroes Help Themselves.

Yes, the Battle office in Loomis on Taylor Road is officially branded with the new logo. Our Executive Director was out trimming trees back clearing a visual pathway to the road. Everyone can find us now and are invited to stop by for a visit. Find out how the Battle is “Helping Heroes Help Themselves”.  You will be invited to volunteer, get involved, or even invest with us.

One other note, you may also notice parked on the street a Chevrolet Silverado branded with the same sticker on its back window. There has never been a sticker on a vehicle of mine other than those required by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Look for the truck and you’ll know the office is open for business.

The meeting started with everyone telling one story, personal or professional, that influenced the decision to be part of Allegiant Battle for Veterans. We were also to summarize our expectations for the day.

Here’s my story:

I did not pick the Battle for Veterans CAUSE, it chose me – the phone rang, the hand raised. This was not by chance. It happened for a reason.

The journey started with a decision to become a Battle at the Capital sponsor which set in motion an unexpected new direction. Here’s what comes to mind; I was a witness to something special, experiencing life-changing moments, where doors are opened, the next steps obvious, meeting the right individuals at the right time, the opportunity to make a difference, the excitement of the journey, the daily challenges – “if you hit a hole in one with every swing playing golf, why play?” A phrase I like to repeat.

I have been blessed with several comparative life experiences and having that history provides the confidence of risking the value of time and to do so without hesitation.  For me, the decision to be part of Allegiant Battle for Veterans was obvious – and the right choice. The Battle Experience has everything to offer – it’s spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical.

My summary of expectations for the Strategic Planning Session:

1. A defined journey, a roadmap with specific ending targets
2. Putting a team together with everyone working in areas of their highest and best use
3. Having the tools and developing the right resources
4. Momentum
5. Enjoying the adventure!!

Please enjoy one of the best photographs taken at last year’s Battle event of the Silver Wings helping all the participants celebrate the Battle for Veterans CAUSE. The Sac Bee wrote a feature article today discussing high school sports and how they are stepping up as fundraisers.