VETERAN’S SPORTS SOUTHEAST

OVERVIEW MISSION BACKGROUND OPERATIONAL CONCEPT VSSE OBJECTIVES 2013 VSSE GOALS

MISSION A SPORTS ADVOCACY GROUP TO: Assist in the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded and injured military veterans Enrich the lives of wounded warriors, veterans, and members of the active component through participation in sport Promote a healthy lifestyle that ultimately improves life - long health

BACKGROUND R2RFL established August 2010 to promote cycling to assist in the recovery of wounded veterans R2RFL transitions into R2RSE in 2011 to expand its programs throughout the Southeast region

BACKGROUND Accomplishments Helped establish cycling programs for Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) at Ft Stewart, GA; Ft Benning, GA; Ft Jackson, SC; Ft Gordon, GA; Ft Knox, KY; and Ft Campbell, KY Coordinated the donation of additional bicycles and cycling gear to every WTU in the Southeast Arranged cost-free participation for WWs in 55 cycling events throughout the Southeast Arranged WW participation in 6 cost-free cycling weekends hosted by charitable organizations in AL, SC, and FL Arranged bicycle maintenance support for WTUs at Ft Stewart and Ft Benning Established a mentorship cycling program for WWs at Ft Stewart and Ft Benning Assisted medically retired WWs acquire cycling equipment from the VA

BACKGROUND 2013 R2RSE transitions to VSSE: Offer additional sporting opportunities Provide opportunities to work with other charitable organizations that focus on improving the lives of WWs Provide athletic opportunities for veterans and members of the active component

OPERATIONAL CONCEPT Coordinate WW participation in recreational running and cycling events in FL, GA, AL, and SC (southeast) and, when requested, provide liaison between event directors, other charitable organizations, WWs, and military units in TN, NC, VA, and KY Actively work with other charitable organizations whose goals include enriching the lives of veterans, and members of the active component through participation in sport Provide active mentorship programs that encourage physical conditioning, improve physical and psychological health, and promote physical activity as a way of life Coordinate outreach programs in local communities designed to achieve VSSE objectives

VSSE OBJECTIVES Assist WWs recover from all physical and psychological wounds and injuries: Running and cycling are activities most patients can participate in Exercise strengthens muscle tissue, helps reduce stress, depression and anxiety (PTSD) Exercise generates new brain cells and may reverse the consequences of brain injury Group activity helps re-socialization and reintegration into society by providing a sense of accomplishment, camaraderie, pride, and normalcy Introduce WWs, veterans, and members of the active component to sporting events designed to enrich their lives and promote a healthy lifestyle Continued participation in sporting events leads to improved health over an individual’s entire lifespan

VSSE OBJECTIVES Coordinate cost-free participation in recreational running and cycling events for WWs and reduced-fee participation for veterans and current members of the military Provide active mentorship programs that encourage physical conditioning, improve physical and psychological health, and promote physical activity as a way of life

VSSE OBJECTIVES Obtain the assistance of other community-based groups and charitable organizations to accomplish the aforementioned objectives Educate the public and members of the military about the physical and psychological values of physical activity

2013 VSSE GOALS Continue support for Warrior Transition Units in the Southeast Continue current relationships with cycling event directors and establish new relationships with directors of running events in the Southeast Coordinate participation in monthly recreational running and cycling events throughout the southeast that enrich the lives of all participants, raise the awareness of the physical and psychological values of physical activity, promote VSSE goals, and provide sporting event opportunities for all participants Currently Scheduled Events Tri-states 100 (cycling)Dothan, AL6 April Wheels of Fire (cycling)Hamilton, GATBD April Boll Weevil (running and cycling)Enterprise, ALTBD May Hot 100 (cycling)Tuscaloosa, AL27 July Flight of the Dove (cycling)Clinton, SCTBD August Seminole Cyclefest (cycling)Sanford, FLTBD November Potential Spring Cycling Events Best Dam RideClarks Hill, SC21 Apr Little Mountain Tour de CureLittle Mountain, SC4 May Bikes Galore Cycle TourWarrenton, GA4 May Jackson BrevetBraselton, GA18 June

2013 VSSE GOALS Potential Spring Running Events Chesty Puller 5K and Half Marathon (cross country)Ft Benning, GA6 Apr Climb the ClayColumbia, SC13 Apr Cody’s RunColumbus, GA13 Apr Run UnitedAiken, SC20 Apr Wynnton UMC Midtown ClassicColumbus, GA27 Apr Race to the RiverColumbia, SC27 Apr Tybee Turtle Trot (beach run)Tybee Island, GA27 Apr Pinch Gut PufferAugusta, GA4 May Turtle Crawl 5KJekyll Island, GA18 May Trot to Clot Walk and RunColumbus, GA1 June Yankee Doodle DashMartinez, GA4 July Summer Sizzler 5KSavannah, GA13 July Wounded Military Heroes 5KSavannah, GA27 July

2013 VSSE GOALS Build on existing relationships with charitable organizations currently supporting VSSE and establish new working relationships with other charitable organizations Establish active mentorship programs for WWs, veterans, and members of the active military who seriously desire to pursue a healthy lifestyle through participation in sporting event activities

2013 VSSE GOALS Secure additional funding for VSSE programs from community sponsors, organized sporting events, and charitable donations Continue to assist charitable organizations to purchase and donate rehabilitative sporting equipment to WW organizations and selected individuals Ft. Gordon Wounded Warriors with bikes donated by the Lion’s Club of Enterprise, AL.

2013 VSSE GOALS Create outreach programs in local communities designed to achieve the objectives of VSSE Assist sporting event directors in providing a meaningful experience for WWs, veterans, and members of the active component participating in their event Liaise with local sports clubs, sporting event organizers, and businesses to secure additional discounts for veterans and members of the active component