In 2008, our team raised ~$67,000 to fund two full academic scholarships for Ryan and Caden, sons of Captain Garrett Lawton (USMC) killed in action in Afghanistan August 4th, 2008. For my part and with the help of great donors, I finished the marathon and raised ~$1750. This year we've redoubled our efforts, expanding the number of endurance events, and so I am redoubling mine. This year my goal is $5000 and I'll be competing in Stone Jackson Triathlon, the Army Ten-Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon.

29 Aug 09 COMPLETED in 3 hrs 7 min Stonewall Jackson Triathlon
04 Oct 09 COMPLETED in 1 hr 36 min Army Ten-Miler

The 2009 NGS Endurance Team's mission is focused - we run to support the education of four children: Zach (age 8), Levi (6), Sam (5) and Hannah (3). Their father, Staff Sergeant William S. Jackson II, passed away after an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Ramadi, Iraq, on November 11, 2006 while on a mission supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Over the last twenty years, I've had the privilege of serving alongside men and women just like Sergeant Jackson, and I've witnessed first-hand the devastating impact born on the families of fallen service members. My purpose in this endeavor is to make a difference in the lives of the surviving children, even if the fruition won't be realized for almost another twenty years. This is about a long-term investment in their future, and the returns are immeasurable!