Hope For The Warriors® is the 2012 Title Sponsor for Ronnie Simpson's Sailing races. To support Ronnie and military families, please consider a donation to our organization. Visit our Donation page and please add "Ronnie Simpson" in the Comments Section.
Alive Date
On June 30,2004, less than two weeks after the photo above was taken, Ronnie Simpson's Humvee was hit by an RPG and his life forever changed. June 30 is now his Alive Date-the day he lived. It is a day that will always be significant and one that he will always remember. This year on June 30, Ronnie will begin the Singlehanded TransPac Race, a sailing race that begins in San Francisco Bay and ends in Hanalei Bay, Kauai. It is fitting that he leaves for this pinnacle race on his Alive Date because in many ways, sailing has saved Ronnie's life.
Past Voyages
After his injury, recovery and retirement from the military, Ronnie was unhappy, unfocused and without direction. His brother suggested that some day in the future, they sail around the world together. Ronnie quickly dropped everything to pursue this new vision.
In 2008, Ronnie attempted his first sailing trip across the Pacific Ocean. It ended in his second near death experience but he was rescued by a freight ship on route to China. From Hong Kong, Ronnie biked more than 8,000 miles to London and then flew from London back to California.
A Wish
Ronnie's past experience did not stop his desire to sail. In 2010, the Hope For The Warriors® Board of Directors Chairman (a Vietnam veteran) stepped in. His boat, Warrior's Wish, was offered to Ronnie to use for the Singlehanded TransPac. Then Ronnie turned to Hope For The Warriors® and our A Warrior's Wish® Program for help. We proudly granted his Wish and on July 4, 2010, Ronnie landed in Kauai, completing his goal to cross the Pacific Ocean.
Hope For The Warriors®
Hope For The Warriors® is a national nonprofit organization that assists combat wounded service members, their families, and families of the fallen. We offer a full cycle of care to military families including Immediate Needs financial assistance and continuing with Family Support, Family Reintegration Program, Hope & Morale, Above & Beyond Professional Development and more.
Returning to the TransPac
Today, Ronnie has his own boat and, with Hope For The Warriors® as his Title Sponsor, he aims to do more than just sail. Through his racing, he will raise awareness to the sacrifices and needs of our wounded heroes. The TransPac is just one of the races that Ronnie will compete in this year. It is also only one of his sailing goals.
Giving Back
Your donation will do more than just help Ronnie sail. Hope For The Warriors® has also teamed up with the Bay-Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS). Beginning in April, Ronnie will hold clinics for wounded service members to introduce wounded heroes to sailing. Regardless of injury, Ronnie is confident that anyone can be taught to sail and that it will have a positive impact on their physical and emotional rehabilitation.
Learn more about Ronnie and keep track of his adventures directly through his blog, http://www.openbluehorizon.com/.
To read more about how Hope For The Warriors® has helped military families, please visit our Hope For The Warriors® Blog and our Team Hope For The Warriors® Blog.
