Team Tier 1 Group/Ultra
Story by Jamie Cameron, Assistant managing editor, The Globe

The Blue Ridge Parkway’s stunning mountain scenery will serve as the backdrop for the annual Blue Ridge Relay, scheduled for Sept. 5-6.

Two Camp Lejeune-based teams plan to make the journey and compete in the grueling 208-mile race and, thanks to generous sponsorship, donate any pledges they receive to Hope for the Warriors.

Team coordinator Cory Dunlap, of Logistics Operations School aboard Camp Johnson, said training and preparations are well-underway. “It’s turning out really well,” he said. “It’s a fun deal. Our teams this year are comprised of active-duty and retired Marines, from major down to corporal, and military dependents.”

The base teams are sponsored by the Tier 1 Group and consist of a 12-runner squad and a six-runner “ultra” squad. “The team captain has to put his runners in a line-up that best-suits each athlete’s strengths,” said Dunlap, who last-participated in 2006. “There are a total of 36 legs, so each runner on the 12-person team will run three legs. We start in the morning and don’t stop until the following evening.

The course begins in Galax, Va. and ends in Asheville, N.C.

As the teams continue training, information on how to support them and Hope for the Warriors will become available.

“It’s a wonderful thing,” said Dunlap. “Our sponsors have allowed us to support Hope for the Warriors and turn this into a really special event.”

Team Hope For The Warriors™ was created to provide a team of support behind the team of Warriors who have given so much – to bolster their resilience when the weight at times gets too heavy to bare alone. It is an avenue by which a community can embrace these heroes, taking personal goals to the next level in their honor. As the team grows, it is our wish that the members and especially the wounded and their families find the infectious hope in a community’s pledge that no sacrifice will be forgotten nor need unmet.

Enter an event and raise money to support our nation's heroes:

1. If you enjoy running, walking, swimming, marathons, triathlons any kind of race event you can raise money for Hope For The Warriors™. Or, participate in one of the many Team Hope For The Warriors™ event (see below). Simply choose your event and Join The Team. The team registration fee is $20. As a Team member you will receive a team race shirt, bag, Welcome packet, and instructions on setting up your online fundraising campaign.

2. We make fundraising easy and exciting - once you join the team and choose your event, you can set up your own online fundraising campaign. Email your friends, family, co-workers, any potential donors and request their support of your efforts. Manage your donations, send thank yous and watch your campaign grow - all online. We challenge you to set your goals high!

1. Join Team Hope For The Warriors™ - As a member of Team Hope For The Warriors™ for any event you choose you can set your own goal. Our 2008 team goal is $500,000. Every team member can help make that goal a reality and provide needed funding for the many wounded service members and their families.

Your registration fee includes:

* Team race shirt and bag
* Information to start your online fundraising campaign and educate your potential donors
* Team blog
* Training Advice
* Group runs for members located in same areas

Team Hope For The Warriors™ members fundraising for H4W:

* Matt Coon
* D. Paul Kelly - 2008 Miles Of Hope
* Jason Lynn - Jacksonville Bank Marathon in Jax, FL on Dec 21st 2008
* Larry Morton - Black & Blue Relay - July 19,2008
* Matt Nodine - "Nodine Around America"
* Tom Sowers - Leadville 100 and others

Fundraisers for the Virginia Beach Rock-N-Roll Half Marathon on August 31, 2008