Help me in supporting "Warrior Trail Foundation" for Cocodona 250! Growing up as the son of a Purple Heart recipient from the Vietnam War, I learned of the internal and external wounds that war inflicts upon those who are willing to sacrifice for God, Country, and Family. As a child I had moments of pride for what my father had endured and accomplished. Unfortunately I also had memories of a man with his struggles and the darkness which consumed him due to what he had witnessed and experienced in war.
One of the most impactful moments I had with my dad was watching the sun set as we took a drive south of the town I grew up in. "Vietnam had the most beautiful sunsets I'd ever seen", he told me, as we watched the sun settle below the Ponderosa Pines.
For many years I thought that what grabbed him was just the land of Vietnam. It was during my resting moments on the fireline as a Hotshot, (Wildland Firefighter), that I assumed the Vietnam landscapes were as beautiful as my dad had shared with me. More importantly, he was sharing the feelings of what he was witnessing as they were tied to the survival of another day, or having the gift to greet the sun in the morning, one more time.
He loved to take drives out into the woods as I was growing up. It provided a therapy for him as he'd bring along his camera and take many shots of what surrounded us.
The reason for me choosing this organization to raise money for is to help those veterans who might be struggling as my father did.
The medicine for these veterans may differ from one to the next, but I do know that if you position one to visually witness the gifts of beauty, such as seen on trails and in nature, there is a reminder that there is a great deal to be grateful for.
I do know that sometimes the friction nature exhibits when we place ourselves in the environment, can not only create growth, but it can provide a much needed release within the mind, heart, and soul.
The Cocodona 250 mile race is my way to pay tribute to the men in my family who have served this country. I will be honoring my grandfathers, my father, as well as multiple uncles in my journey.
Monies raised will be given to this organization for them to help those who were willing to put their lives on the line for me and my family, as well as you and yours.
For those who are able and willing to donate a multiple of $100, I will be carrying the name of either a veteran or a current member of the military of your choosing. I have 2 donors who donated $500 each, giving them 5 names each to honor. These names will be carried with me from the beginning of the race, to hopefully the full 250 miles within the week.
Please email me the name or names you'd like to honor- vidalsvisions@gmail.com
Personally, I will be carrying the name of my father on a strip of nylon webbing on this journey.
The Cocodona 250 provides a challenge which I've yet to face. The weather could be hot and dry, as well as wet, cold, and snowy. There will be sections which will be done alone, or with other runners. As there will be sections I will be blessed with a pacer or companion to push, pull, and aid me in achieving my goals.
It is now "OUR TURN", to give a little back.
I'll plan, prepare, and do my best to endure the physical and mental challenge, as long as you take the time to read, donate, and share with others.
Sometimes we fear those things which cause us to feel alone. This is my way to let veterans know that their sacrifice has been recognized.
I will have the option to opt out of the race anytime, and get back to my normal life if things become unbearable or unforseen circumstances present themselves. Unfortunately there are many who served this country who are needing a hand from you and I, as opting out is an outcome we don't want for them, and their normal is something we might see as a nightmare.
I ask of you to join me in supporting this cause as I take on the challenge of a new event, and to honor those veterans who have served this country.
The Warrior Trail Foundation supports military veterans through trail running experiences and shows them the healing power of nature. Information for this foundation can be found at Warriortrail.org Be sure to donate down below, though.
Donations of any size matter.
Just remember, before we can help the many, we need to begin with 'one'.
Again, feel free to donate what you can and please share this with others.
Thank you for your support!!
Eddie Aguilar
Double Your Donation Today! Does your company have a gift-matching program? Check with your HR department to see if your company matches employee gifts. If they do, take advantage of this opportunity to double your contribution today!
Please note that matching gifts must be received 2 weeks prior to the race day to be counted towards your fundraising goal. Donations must also have the athlete’s name associated with the donation so we can allocate funds accordingly.
The Wander Project Tax ID number is: 83-1778644
Offline Payment Instructions
If you would like to donate to this fundraiser offline please follow the directions below to ensure it supports their charity bib.
**Please note all mailed checks, matching gifts, or donor directed funds must be made out to Wander Project. Once we receive them they will be added to their fundraiser for this designated charity. Please include the first and last name of the fundraiser you are supporting so we can ensure your donation is matched to the correct person.
Mail Checks to:
Wander Project is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the furthest extent of the law. Tax ID 83-1778644
