I didn't intend for so much time to go by between posts...but a few things have combined to keep me away for a bit. But I'm back now to write just a short entry and I will try to get to it more often. The big news: the fundraising site is up an running. You can find me at the Janus Charity Challenge Website (www.januscharitychallenge.com) and search for Aaron Dewees doing Ironman Arizona 2008. I also hope to have links on Heather Gollnick's site (www.heathergollnick.com or www.ironedgecoaching.com) as well as on the official charity (Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund) website www.cfsrf.org. Also, this whole endeavor has a name: Operation IronFamily. I wanted something in keeping with the Army (Operation), Ironman (the Iron part) and a reminder of who I am doing his for (the Families of fallen military men & women). It also speaks to the nature of the military family: they are tough, made of Iron. All the moving around, personal sacrifices, separation, and uncertainty about the future calls on the service member and their family to be strong. Often times...spouses and children are given he monumental task of carrying on in the absence of their husband, wife, father, or mother. Dual military families...where for example both husband & wife are active (and there are many) are all too often deployed at the same time but in different locations. In many cases they leave behind children to be "raised" by relatives & friends. Now tell me that doesn't require sacrifice, courage, and "toughness." So please visit the website, spread the word, and if you any questions you may contact me at lumbeerunner@gmail.com I will write again soon...next time I will begin a series on how his whole mission came about, what the training is like, how training is going, and perhaps answer other questions you might have. Sincerely, Aaron..."live well, train hard" |
So this is my first time writing in this blog. A quick thanks to Todd Gollnick for setting me up on workout log. It is Sunday morning here in Iraq and I'm drinking a cup of coffee checking the overnight scores from the weekend of college football. Kansas continued to roll (11-0 baby) but I was a little disappointed to see Oklahoma lose. Tough break on the QB. Enough about "peripheral issues"...let's get to the task at hand. I've decided to keep this blog as a place to journal and update friends & family (or really anyone interested) about my training for Ironman Arizona here in Taji, Iraq. A brief bit of history. I am a Captain in the US Army. A pediatrician deployed to the combat zone in Iraq. In May I decided to make "good" use of my time and start training for an Ironman. Not only is this a lifelong goal, I hope to raise money for a charity called the Children of the Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund. I am being coached and supported through Ironedge Coaching and inspired by many. My inspiration comes from many different places. Most importantly...from God and my faith in Him I am carried along each and every day...able to find blessings in the most unlikely places. The troopers of 1-7 CAV, the men of Garryowen, this is for you, for our fallen brothers and our brave families. Personally, I am inspired by my family. My amazing wife and incredible children...your love and faith in me lift me to a place I can't even describe. When something here is difficult - whether in IM training or in war - thoughts of you and your sacrifices, strength, and support make anything seem possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can't forget those friends and family who have also supported me in so many ways...I hope you realize how much I appreciate and love each of you...even if I am not able to tell you as much as you deserve. So that is my intro. Subsequent entries will focus on IM training and the fundraising effort. So check back often to learn more and share this awesome experience together. Live well...train hard! Aaron
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