Team Operation Rebound to race in Oceanside

Ten Injured Military Personnel to Compete in Ironman 70.3 California as Part ofTeam Operation Rebound

On Saturday, April 4, sixty-five participants in the Ironman 70.3 California triathlon taking place in Oceanside, will race side-by-side with ten injured military personnel as part of Team Operation Rebound Ironman 70.3 California.

“This is the second year that CAF has partnered with Ironman to run this meaningful fundraising program.” notes CAF’s Executive Director Virginia Tinley. “Thanks to the support we receive from Ironman, the Ironman 70.3 California fundraiser participants and their donors, CAF is able to provide life changing funds and services to our wounded American heroes. Last year alone, CAF changed the lives of more than 137 Operation Rebound athletes through grants, outreach and mentorship, an online forum and a Military Medical Center Physical Training program. The funds raised at this year’s event will enable CAF to continue to help our injured troops heal through sports.”

Injured troops racing as part of the 2009 Team Operation Rebound Ironman 70.3 California include Ret. 1st Sergeant John Blue (lost his leg below the knee in Iraq), Paralympic Gold Medalist and Former Reconnaissance Marine Oscar “Oz” Sanchez (spinal cord injury), Ret. Sergeant Michael Gallardo (lost his leg below the knee in Iraq), and Ret. Corporal Evan Morgan (lost his left leg below the knee, right leg above the knee and vision in one eye in Iraq), who will compete in the full 70.3 triathlon. Warriors competing on relay teams include Paralympic swimmer and Ret. 2nd Lieutenant Melissa Stockwell (lost her leg above the knee in Iraq), Ret. Marine Sgt. Andy Hatcher (lost leg below the knee in Iraq), Ret. Sergeant Sam Cila (limited left arm mobility and hand amputee), Spc. Saul Martinez (lost both legs in Iraq), Ret. Staff Sergeant Chris Chandler (lost his leg below the knee in Afghanistan), and Paralympic track and field athlete and Petty Officer 1-Class Casey Tibbs (lost his leg below the knee).

“Sports have been an integral part of my recovery,” explains Ret. Corporal and Team Operation Rebound Ironman 70.3 California Co-Captain Evan Morgan of Bakersfield, California. “CAF’s Operation Rebound gave me the tools and resources I needed to help get my life back on track. Now as one of the program’s spokespeople, I provide mentorship to other injured vets and show them what is possible. Thanks to the confidence and awareness I’ve gained through the Operation Rebound program, I feel more empowered now as a challenged athlete than I was an able-bodied athlete.”

“The support we receive from programs like Operation Rebound, in addition to our family support is imperative to our recovery,” notes Saul Martinez of San Diego – a three sport high school letterman. “I’ve made leaps and bounds from last year at this time. This will be my second time doing the swim portion of the Ironman 70.3 California and I hope to significantly improve my time.”

With more than 33,875 U.S. troops wounded in action since the beginning of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2003 (Ref. U.S. D.O.D.), more must be done. The Team Operation Rebound Ironman 70.3 California fund raising program is just one way people can show their support. By raising a minimum of $1,000, each Team Operation Rebound member will have the opportunity to race side-by-side with heroes wounded defending our freedom, enjoy an unforgettable race experience as well as other benefits – all while helping physically challenged military personnel “get back in the game.”

Ironman 70.3 California will take place for the tenth year in the City of Oceanside, the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and the surrounding area. For more information on the Ironman 70.3 California, please visit http://www.ironmancalifornia.com/. To learn more about the Team Operation Rebound Ironman 70.3 California fundraising program, visit: http://orcalifornia09.kintera.org.