Team Roster:
- Mike Matney
- Brett Miller
- Jeff Palenske
- John Fairbanks
- Mason Poe
- Nieves Rodriguez
- Tom Murphy
- Timothy Connor
- Peter Michelson
- Anthony Radetic
Rider Captain : Name, Rank: Lt Colonel Mike Matney, USA
Occupation: Liason Officer, Fort Meade, MD
Employer: United States Army (Active)
College: East Tennessee State University (BS) Civil Engineering
Military Experience
Tank Platoon Leader: 11th ACR, Wildflecken Germany; Infantry Platoon Leader: 1st Armored Division; Six Years in the 101st Airborne Division Commanding two separate units; Field Grade Commander: Camp Roberts California; OEF Veteran
How long have you known about RAAM? How long afterwards did you decide to enter the race? What triggered your decision?
I heard about RAAM in the 80′s as a Mountain Biker. I started thinking about RAAM two years ago when I was training for Ironman Wisconsin. After learning about Team 4Mil and their organization, I decided to join in their endeavors and compete with the best ultra-endurance cyclists in the world.
Athletic history:
Currently a USA Cycling and USA Triathlon certified coach; been a mountain biker and runner most of the past 20 years, running in marathons and riding with buddies throughout those years. Started road cycling in 2000 prior to 9/11. After 9/11 and a few years of Commanding and deploying, picked up a habit of doing triathlons. Favorite place to ride is San Luis Obispo, California.
Considering all sports, what were the events or outcomes that most impacted your life in both negative and positive manners?
I think that out of all of my endeavors, the one that means the most is completing the Ironman in 2010; after that accomplishment I realized that there are no limits.
Who are your heroes? Why?
The Originals; they look at different situations and say, “Why not? Why can’t I do that?” From the Lords of Dogtown, to the men who jump from the Norwegian Alps and fly in wing suits, to the surfers who tackle those 68+ feet waves in Maui’s Jaws. Nothing like being an original; the first “someone” to look at “something” without fear; the results are always incredible!
What intimidates you most about RAAM?
Living up to the expectations of myself.
Favorite quote, either famous or not, that fuels your ambition:
“You only live once, but of you work it right, once is enough.” -Joe Louis.
What are your expectations from RAAM?
I expect a good race that is well organized, safe, enjoyable… plus unforgettable memories and stories to share with my grandchildren.
Name, Rank: Brett Miller SGT (retired)
Occupation: (Retired)
Employer: Wounded Warrior Project Alumni
College: Oregon State
Military Experience (brief summary of key experiences):
Combat wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom and a Purple Heart recipient. Story here www.youtube.com/watch?v=f31YwsDpdmQ.
How long have you known about RAAM? What triggered your decision to enter the race?
I have known about RAAM since its birth, but I have never had the chance to join with support and a team. I jumped on the chance to race with my combat brothers.
How has cycling impacted your life?
Cycling has saved my life. It ended up being the integral part of my 3 years of inpatient hospitalization.
What “take home message” do you hope to convey to military members and civilians alike through your participation in RAAM?
Someone always has it worse and life is too short to give up on the things you never thought possible.
What was your most fun-filled adventure, cycling or not?
Racing the national downhill mountain bike circuit while an inpatient and winning 2 at nationals.
Favorite quote (famous or not) that fuels your ambition:
My greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do
What intimidates you most about RAAM?
When I am going to get the nerve to race in the solo category?
What are your expectations from RAAM?
I am expecting pelting rain, smashing hail, gale force headwinds, grueling climbs, blistering heat, flat tires, bone jarring road surfaces, crazy drivers, no sleep, and a finish line with a smile on my face.
Name, Rank: Jeff Palenske Former Staff Sergeant
Occupation: High Speed digital technician
Employer: AT&T
College: Military Experience (brief summary of key experiences): I am a 16 year Army Vet between active duty and reserve. Deployed to Iraq in 2004 where I was IED 8 times blown up a 9th by an RPG or grenade as I leaned against a wall to reload while in the battle for Sadar City. I and my team were they only Special Operations team in the battle that night. The results of that fighting left 9 KIA and 55 wounded after about 6 hours of fighting. Was also in the battles for Karbala and Najafa. Was a paratrooper, Infantry, Psychologial Operations team sergeant.
How long have you known about RAAM? From about the mid 80’s.
What triggered your decision to enter the race? To prove as an injured veteran I can still do anything I set a goal for.
How has cycling impacted your life? I have been cycling on and off for the last 30 years and now it is one of the few things that helps with my PTSD and my TBI.
What “take home message” do you hope to convey to military members and civilians alike through your participation in RAAM? That if you have the will you can do anything regardless of your disability. It does not always mean doing a RAAM but setting your goals and going for it.
What was your most fun-filled adventure, cycling or not? A trip to Venezuela by myself when my luggage went to Cancun and I went to Caracas so with limited Spanish I managed to get through 15 days with a lot fun and with some simple hand signs and very little Spanish it was one of the best trips I ever had. Plus when I got my luggage back I just took it out of the suit case and put it away it was great – nothing to wash.
Favorite quote (famous or not) that fuels your ambition: “After you leave here every day is gravy.” From a line in the movie Platoon. I say it to myself all the time. There is nothing here that anybody could do to me that could even come close to what I have been through already. Every day is a gift given to me by the great sacrifices of others.
What intimidates you most about RAAM? There is not anything in life that intimidates me after 16 years in the Army and everything else I have been through.
What are your expectations from RAAM? I want myself and my teammates to finish and to prove anything can be accomplished when you set your mind to it. And to help others along the way to accomplish their goals. And to prove no matter what your disability you can do anything.
Name, Rank: John Fairbanks
Occupation: Army Reservist and Retired USDA Food Safety Inspector
Employer: US Army Reserves
College: TUI
Military Experience (brief summary of key experiences): Joined Army in 1986 as a 73D (accountant) was Active until 1989 then joined the Army Reserves as a 55B (ammo specialist) in Kearney NE. I was deployed to Europe for Operation Joint Endeavor in 1986-87 with 368 Fin BN 89 RSC Wichita KS. Upon return I joined the 443rd Trans and became a 88M (Truck Diver) and later a 88M instructor. In 2001 I became a 79V (Career Counselor) and deployed again with 295th Ord BN for Operation Enduring Freedom at Ft Riley KS. After which I went back to the 79V job and have been on and off AGR status since.
How long have you known about RAAM? What triggered your decision to enter the race? RAAM comes within 40 miles of Hutchinson; since I have been a cyclist since 1998, I have heard of it and have always been interested. WWP is a great organization, and I have enjoyed every event I have been to and the people I have met.
How has cycling impacted your life? Cycling give me an outlet for my competitive side and without cycling my doctors all concur that I would not have survived my event.
What “take home message” do you hope to convey to military members and civilians alike through your participation in RAAM? We all have struggles in life and through cycling I have been able to find an outlet to a simpler time in life. Just my bike the countryside and peace.
What was your most fun-filled adventure, cycling or not? I have done RAGBRAI (bike ride across Iowa) a couple of times. Always a great time.
Favorite quote (famous or not) that fuels your ambition: Currently it is “IWBMATTKYT.” It stands for “I will beat my a** today to kick yours tomorrow”
What intimidates you most about RAAM? Riding through the darkness.
What are your expectations from RAAM? Make lifelong friends and see our great nation as I have never seen it before.
Rank: SSGT Mason Poe USMC Ret.
Occupation: Government Contractor
Employer: Self Employed
College: Central Carolina Community College
Military Experience: II FAST (Fleet Anti terrorism Security Team) Co. , Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., SCCO Small Craft Company II Marine Division
How long have you known about the RAAM? 2 years
What triggered your decision to enter the race? Team 4Mil’s determination to successfully complete the 2011 RAAM and their desire to coordinate a Wounded Warrior Team
How has cycling impacted your life? Cycling is probably the only sport I can remotely participate in and it is a form of meditation in which I was unable to achieve prior to cycling.
What “take home message” do you hope to convey to military members and civilians alike through your participation in RAAM? Do not hesitate to ask for advice to those in which have “been there and done that” Team 4Mil and the Wounded Warrior Project are two great organizations in which will assist you in every way they can and if they don’t know it they know someone that does!
What was your most fun-filled adventure, cycling or not? I have to say the most fun-filled adventure I have done has got to be the 9 years I served in our beloved Marine Corps!
Favorite Quote (famous or not) that fuels your ambition? “Lead From The Front, Back, Left and/or Right” “Do The Right Thing Because It’s The Right Thing To Do” Marine Gunner CWO3 Poe, J.P.
What intimidates you the most about RAAM? The only thing that intimidates me is getting a blister on my residual limb!
What are your expectations from RAAM? I expect to successfully finish and not burden my team mates!
Name, Rank: Nieves Rodriguez, SSG (RET)
Occupation: Retired
Employer: N/A
College: N/A
Military Experience (brief summary of key experiences): 4yr in the Marine Corps from 1992-1996. Joined the Army in 1997 and retired in April 2011. Two tours in Iraq, 2003-2004, 2005.
How long have you known about RAAM? What triggered your decision to enter the race? I have known about RAAM since 2009. It would an experience of a life time.
How has cycling impacted your life? Cycling has totally change my life. It keeps me active, keeps me sane and keeps my stress level down.
What “take home message” do you hope to convey to military members and civilians alike through your participation in RAAM? No matter what life changing injuries we received from combat, we can still overcome any challenge with those injuries.
What was your most fun-filled adventure, cycling or not? My two trips to the Olympic Training Center and racing on the Velodrome. I never pushed myself as hard as on the track.
Favorite quote (famous or not) that fuels your ambition: “Everyday is an opportunity disguised as a challenge.”
What intimidates you most about RAAM? The 170,000 ft of climbing.
What are your expectations from RAAM? To be the hardest, most challenging, life changing experience of my life.
Name, Rank: THOMAS D. MURPHY, HM1/E-6, US NAVY
Occupation: US NAVY HOSPITAL CORPSMAN
Employer: NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER, PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA
College: ASSOCIATES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE, KAPLAN UNIVERSITY
BACHELORS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE, KAPLAN UNIVERSITY
Military Experience (brief summary of key experiences): 19 Years, 6 months Active Duty, US Navy. Boot Camp, San Diego, CA, June 1992; Hospital Corpsman A School, Naval School of Health Sciences, San Diego, CA, September-December 1992; Naval Hospital Lemoore, CA, January 1993-March 1994; Field Medical Services School, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, CA, March – May 1994; 1st Bn. 7th Marines, Marine Corps Base 29 Palms, CA, May 1994 – June 1995; 1st Tank Bn. 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Base 29 Palms, CA, June 1995-April 1997; Naval Hospital Bremerton, WA, May 1997-October 1999; Psychiatric Technician C School, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, October 1999-April 2000; Naval Hospital Bremerton, WA, April 2000 – May 2001; Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, CA, May 2001-December 2002; Joint Task Force 170, Detainee Operations, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, December 2002-June 2003; Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Center, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA, June 2003-June 2004; 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Medical BN., Bravo Surgical Company, Fallujah, Iraq, July 2004-March 2005; Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, CA, March 2005-December 2006; RIVRON 2, Naval Expeditionary Combat Command, December 2006-August 2007; Sewell’s Point Branch Medical Clinic, Norfolk, VA, August 2007-September 2008; Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, Detainee Operations, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, September 2008-May 2009; Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA, May 2009-Current.
How long have you known about RAAM? What triggered your decision to enter the race?
I first heard about RAAM when I raced in the El Tour De Tucson in April 2003. I heard about Team 4 Mil from a friend through the Wounded Warrior Project and was determined that I wouldn’t let my doctor tell me I would never competitively race a bicycle again.
How has cycling impacted your life?
I started riding a bike when I was stationed in Camp Pendleton, California, as a way to enhance my physical fitness. After I was medevac’d from Iraq, for a blown right knee, then diagnosed with testicular cancer during my medical treatments, I once again returned to cycling to realize I was alive. I started racing, as I was inspired through the Lance Armstrong Foundation for cancer treatment, and used cycling as a venue to raise awareness of cancer. Once again, in June of 2011, after I lost my left leg, below the knee, I determined that I would not allow my amputation control my life. I was told prior to the amputation that I would never run, ride a bike, play hockey, or be competitive in sports again and I would not let a doctor tell me I wasn’t going to continue living my life my way. Naturally, cycling has found a spot back in my rehabilitation and recovery.
What “take home message” do you hope to convey to military members and civilians alike through your participation in RAAM?
No matter what injuries a person might have, no matter what anyone tells you, handicaps do not have to control you. If a person is determined enough, no matter what obstacles stand in front of you, attack those challenges and overcome them!
What was your most fun-filled adventure, cycling or not?
I am continuing to discover what my most fun-filled adventures are. In my opinion, when a person overcomes a struggle, that becomes a fun-filled adventure, and I am not through overcoming my challenges.
Favorite quote (famous or not) that fuels your ambition:
Ironically, my favorite quote comes from my Ortho Doc saying that I wouldn’t be able to use my leg again to participate in physical activities. The fuel of my ambition is that if anyone ever tells me I can’t, I will show them that I can!
What intimidates you most about RAAM?
I think what intimidates me the most about RAAM is the length of the race, which increases the chance of my leg falling off! I have talked to many friends who have talked about others on prosthetics which fell off in the middle of an activity. I dread thinking about the ribbing I would take for losing a leg in the middle of a race! J
What are your expectations from RAAM?
I expect RAAM to prove to anyone who doubts that amputees can’t be as competitive in life as those who are abled. Team 4 Mil has been supporters of the Wounded Warrior Project, and I believe that this opportunity being offered to me will only continue to showcase the need for continued support and development of medical care for our injured service personnel.
Because of the advancements in prosthetics coming from our Military amputees, we know that others are benefiting from research and development. It is important to continue the advances in medical sciences as it is proving to positively impact the lives of all.
Name, Rank: Sgt. Timothy Conner
College: Colorado Technical University
Military Experience: I joined the U.S. Marine Corps in November 2002 and graduated boot camp in Paris Island, SC. I was then stationed in Okinawa for two years where deployed to Korea 2003, 2004, Philippines 2004, and Thailand 2005. I returned stateside to Yuma, AZ 2005 where I was promoted to Sgt/E-5. I later deployed to Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2007) with 1st Marine Logistic Group Special Operations Group of Camp Pendleton, CA as a POETT/BTT Port of Entry and Boarder Transition Team member. I was discharged in January of 2009.
How long have you known about RAAM? What triggered your decision to enter the race? I have known about RAAM for just over a year now. I was looking for a true challenge and wanted to be a part of a team that would represent a great cause.
How has cycling impacted your life? Cycling has kept me going. It has brought me great opportunities and challenges I never thought would be possible again. With cycling, I am able to continue wearing a uniform in support of my Country and Military.
What “take home message” do you hope to convey to military members and civilians alike through your participation in RAAM? You can always do anything you set your mind and heart to.
What was your most fun-filled adventure, cycling or not? My first competitive ride on a handcycle: Three Notch Century Ride in New Hampshire. 105 miles in the White Mountains what was I thinking? I had no Idea what a century was I just signed up and went for it. It was the time of my life and I haven’t stopped cycling since.
Favorite quote (famous or not) that fuels your ambition: “There is NO Dis in my Able, remember there is always someone that has it worse than you.”
What intimidates you most about RAAM? Some of the terrain and weather we will encounter.
What are your expectations from RAAM? Finishing together and always able to look back and see the mark we left as a team and the impact it has on future RAAMs and other Wounded Warriors.
Name, Rank: GMC(SW/SCW) Peter M Michelson(ret)
Occupation: Retired USN Active Duty Chief Petty Officer
Employer: Retired
College: Ninth House/22 yrs USN
Military Experience (brief summary of key experiences):
Served and completely 22 years of active duty service in The United Stated Navy. Wounded Warrior, Gulf Wars I & II, Operation Southern Watch, OEF, OIF from 2001 to 2008, NCWG1/NECC Security Operations in Kuwait, and UAE 2005 to 2008, NSW Over Seas Operation AFG, Iraq, Bahrain 2002 to 2005, 2008 to 2009. NMCB 303 2009 to Sept 2010. Made USN Active Duty Genuine chief 21 Sept, 2006. Logistic Senior Manager, NEC 9525 USN/Marine Corp Ammunition/Ordnance Manager World Wide, NEC 9536 OIM Level Small Arm, Crew Serve, Special Operations, Weapons, Night Vision, VAS Senior tech, and Logistics Manager, NEC 0812/0814 Range Master for all USN Small Arms, Crew Serve, and Shoulder Fire Weapons, NSW Ranger Master, Night Vision and Lasers. Cargo Handling and Logistics Manager for MEF/Black Hull Ships. In my 22 yrs of service thru out blue Water, Seabees, NCWG/NECC and Special Operations, I managed millions of dollars of weapons and gear, responsible for on time ordering proper management, accountbility of tons of ammunition/ordinance with zero discrepancies. Trained and Sailorized thousands of Sailors of the GM, as well as other ratings in all Military matters, and training living by the phrase “Can Do”!
How long have you known about RAAM? What triggered your decision to enter the race? Since 2004. I attended a RAAM Brief in 2009 and 2010 @ Bent Up Cycles in North Hollywood, CA.
How has cycling impacted your life? Cycling provides a rehab and freedom from injuries sustained while on deployment in 2004 & 2005 Iraq, and Afghanistan.
What “take home message” do you hope to convey to military members and civilians alike through your participation in RAAM? Regardless of your injuries, you can do it. “Can Do”, and “Adapt and Over Come” are not just cheap phrases but the real deal!
What was your most fun-filled adventure, cycling or not? Participating in my first WWP Soldier Ride – thanks to LCDR Steven Peace (ret) for mentoring me – after just being out of physical therapy for spinal fusion L4/L5 and S1 rebuild. If you are a Wounded Warrior, these folks are truly amazing! Any adventure is fantastic, being that I have the FREEDOM of mobility following a grim outlook after two ankle rebuilds and complex spinal fusion. Winning 4 time trails in 2010 Fiesta Island Time Trail series. Doing 2010 and 2011 Pedal with the Pedras West Coast. Running many 1/2 and full marathons, riding with the OC Trike Squadron and Southern California Recumbent Club.
Favorite quote (famous or not) that fuels your ambition: OMG! What period of History or time do you want me to quote?! You’re Asking the Chief!!
What intimidates you most about RAAM? Just concerns – since it’s the toughest event known to man and womankind!
What are your expectations from RAAM: To have the very best riding and military bonding experience ever!
Name, Rank: WO1 Radetic, Anthony Ret.
College: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Military Experience (brief summary of key experiences): I initially entered as a parachute rigger (92R) and fast-tracked to the rank of E5. Shortly after, I was selected for Special Forces and picked to become a Special Forces communication sergeant (18E). During this time the Army began a new program, Army Laser Surgery Program, allowing soldiers that have had photorefractive keratotomy (PRK) eye surgery partake in a special test program to attend the Army flight school. I was selected for the program and was stationed in Ft. Rucker. While at Ft. Rucker I was promoted to WO1, completed the Army helicopter flight training and became an Army aviator (153A).
How long have you known about RAAM? What triggered your decision to enter the race? RAAM is rather new to me; Justin from WWP was the person that told me about it. After hearing and meeting some of the member of a team, I had to ask on how to be part of a team to do it.
How has cycling impacted your life? After getting injured, I really didn’t have much ambition to do anything; often stayed indoors and really didn’t feel comfortable going outside. Once I was introduced to cycling, I discovered a way to challenge and push myself the way I used to. Additionally, I found a sense of peace and a way to escape the reality of being injured.
What “take home message” do you hope to convey to military members and civilians alike through your participation in RAAM? I hope that through RAAM, people will realize that the game isn’t over once you get injured, it just gets more interesting!
What was your most fun-filled adventure, cycling or not? The moment in cycling that I hold most dear is the time I have won the Costa Rica Tamarind Marathon; it was my first marathon win.
Favorite quote (famous or not) that fuels your ambition: “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately”
What intimidates you most about RAAM? Unforeseen troubles on our path.
What are your expectations from RAAM? I would like to set an example that no injury can hold a persons spirit to overcome.
