RAAM’s 2011 Armed Forces Challenge Cup winners, Team 4Mil, will defend their title by returning to the world’s most challenging endurance event again in 2012. Inspired by the team’s motto, “Keeping The Warrior Spirit Alive”, several new team members have rallied to join the team, including a separate cycling team comprised of wounded veterans being hosted by Wounded Warrior Project™ and mentored by Team 4Mil. Both US Military Teams have been challenged by two similar team entries registered by military representatives from the United Kingdom.
The US Military Wounded Warrior Team is led by LtCol Mike Matney, USA. His teammates include Mason Poe, Nieves Rodriguez, Brett Miller, John Fairbanks, Tom Murphy, Tim Conner, and Jeff Palenske. Crew Chief Richard Wolak, USMA ‘66, has organized an effective race plan to compete successfully and safely neutralize the forces of nature that are encountered during each RAAM event.
Team 4Mil has announced CPO Wayne Dowd, USN (ret) as its 2012 Ride Captain. His teammates include RAAM veteran’s Jim Weinstein, Kyle Pitman, and Jimmy Colgary, and new members Jason Peterson, Chad Connor, Alan Fischer, and Shawn Olin.
With a proud heritage of military service, these service members have experienced more than 40 deployments, hundreds of military missions, and led countless hours of mission planning. Combined with their years of cycling experience and a tenacious interest in racing, they are prepared for the many unpredictable challenges that RAAM 2012 will present.
Team 4Mil is an IRS registered 501C3 organization. As an all-volunteer team, our participation in veteran rehabilitation programs, National Soldier Ride support, and participation in RAAM are subject to voluntary charitable contributions. To make a tax-deducible donation via PayPal, please visit our website, www.team4mil.org or contact dan@team4mil.org for more info.
For my birthday this month I have asked all my lady friends to donate to your ride in June..my son-in-alw, Mason Poe, from North Carolina will be involved..so excited for him..will also be at the send off, with my 2 daughters and Mason’s daughter Addy (3) Let me know where to send the donation, Kathy
Our nephew Jeff Palenske is a member of the U.S. Military Wounded Warrior Team and we are so proud of him and the others involved in this wonderful program.