Jake and John?s friendship began in the Marine Corps when in 2010 they were both assigned to the same Afghan National Army Combat Advisor Team. In October 2011, more than 10 months into their year-long deployment, their team was ordered to conduct convoy security operations for the delivery of USAID supplies to the village of Now Zad, Helmand Province. During their return to base, Jake?s armored vehicle was struck by a remote detonated, improvised explosive device. The high explosive blast lifted the vehicle from the ground, inflicting catastrophic injuries on the Marines inside, severing Jake?s legs below the knee. His team responded immediately, triaging the Marines? wounds and securing the area for in-flight medical evacuation.

Within hours, Jake?s legs were amputated below the knee, commencing a long road of physical and mental recovery that still continues to this day. Jake was blessed to have his wife and family support him in those crucial months. In addition, numerous nonprofits helped to ease the burden. A year-long scholarship through Sentinels of Freedom helped with housing, vehicle expenses, and furniture to reduce the stressors of transitioning to civilian life. Further, the one-on-one mentorship set Jake up for success to get into corporate leadership right away and provide for his family once again. To know more about Sentinels of Freedom go to www.sentinelsoffreedom.org.

Through it all Jake and John have remained close friends. More than 11 years later, they?re teaming up again, just as they did in Afghanistan, this time to give back and support wounded veterans by raising $20,000 for Sentinels of Freedom through their Team Now Zad fundraising site https://www.classy.org/team/490733 and with additional awareness and donations through merchandise sales!

Come join forces with us as we help severely wounded, post-9/11 veterans in their efforts to become productive and self-sufficient members of their communities as they transition back into civilian life!