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November 21,
2006– Morgan Hill, CA
Specialized invites all cyclists and those in the bicycle
industry to join them in supporting Captain Andrew Christian
this holiday season through Specialized’s Adopt a Marine
Project. Christian, an officer in the Marine Special
Operations Command, United States Marine Corps, competes in
endurance races in order to contribute to the Injured Marine
Semper Fi Fund in honor of his fallen and injured teammates
who were attacked by insurgent forces in February.
Specialized employees have launched the Adopt a Marine
Project as part of their Specialized Holiday Fund Program
and will sponsor Capt. Christian in order to help further
his generous efforts and contributions. It was also
announced that 3X World Ironman Champion Peter Reid will
mentor Christian for the upcoming April Ironman race. But
more help is always needed as the impact of tragedies like
these is so widespread.
Capt. Christian’s advisor team suffered injury and death
when it was overcome by an IED ambush on the road leading to
an Iraqi Training Center on February 20, 2006. During the
attack Staff Sgt. Jay Collado was killed in action, Staff
Sgt. Chris Claude was severely wounded and lost his right
leg and 1st Lt. Justin Waldeck suffered a major
hand injury. Staff Sgt. Collado is survived by his wife Judy
and six-year-old daughter Kaiya.
Through his participation in races such as the Arizona
Ironman, which will take place on April 15, 2007, Christian
has raised over $35,000 for both the Semper FI fund and
Kaiya’s scholarship fund. The injured Marine Semper FI Fund
is a non-profit organization that provides financial support
for Marines rehabilitating from catastrophic injuries and
their families. Further details are available at:
www.semperfifund.org.
Capt. Christian has served three tours of duty in Iraq, is a
veteran of the first Gulf War and just returned home safely
last week for a year’s leave. Christian, his wife Sarah and
13-year-old son Tyler joined over 200 Specialized employees
and international visiting staff for their annual
Specialized Thanksgiving Lunch prior to a getaway weekend in
San Francisco.
“To be able to give the Captain and his family a hero’s
welcome was inspiring and impactful—it made us all stop and
reflect on giving thanks for our freedom this holiday
season,” said Ariadne Delon Scott, Director of Advocacy and
Environment for Specialized.
Specialized and Capt. Christian would greatly appreciate any
support from the industry that can be lent to further
facilitate this worthy cause.
Donations can be made online or checks can be earmarked for
Captain Christian’s efforts. Checks should be made out to
the Semper Fi Fund, sent c/o Adopt a Marine, Specialized
Bicycles, 15130 Concord Circle, Morgan Hill, CA 95037. For
more information, e-mail Ariadne Delon Scott:
adscott@specialized.com. |
