BYERS, Colo. (June 30, 2012) – SCCA is known as a family, always rallying around each other in a time of need. But SCCA members are also incredibly generous, and willing to help others at the drop of a hat.
The Colorado Region SCCA, with help from MacLindy Racing’s Formula Mazda driver Russ Lindemann and his wife, Lori, have gone out of their way at this weekend’s BFGoodrich Super Tour race at High Plains Raceway to help raise money and awareness for FOB Summit County Co and American Military Family.
Each of the two Colorado-based organizations, which work hand-in-hand are currently working towards an official merger to combine resources, offer assistance to military members returning from overseas and reintegrating themselves to civilian life.
The groups use activities such as fishing trips, emergency financial assistance, care packages – and, for the first time, the trip to an SCCA SafeRacer National Series race – to help those returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. Those activities are a large part of the reason that the Lindemann’s chose to get involved with AMF and FOB Summit County Co.
“There are a lot of support organizations,” Lori Lindemann said. “What connected us was the outdoor adventures. I believe they heal the soul, and are good for the mind and body. It was just a good fit for us.”
In the past five years, the groups have hosted more than 60 outdoor activities to support more than 1,000 active, retired and wounded soldiers.
Attending the BFGoodrich Tires Rocky Mountain Super Tour as a guest is Sgt. Brian Cherry. Sgt. Cherry, who grew up as a sprint car fan in Apple Valley, Calif., was injured in an IED attack on his unit while in Afghanistan in April. Cherry suffered what is known as a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in his second tour of duty.
The 23-year-old Cherry, along with his wife, Katrina, is experiencing his first SCCA race and was given hot laps in the pace car around the 15-turn, 2.55-mile circuit.
“Everything that they’re doing here is incredible,” Sgt. Cherry said. “The overall experience was great. The driver explained the corners and what you’re supposed to do.
“The SCCA has been great. A lot of us come back and are trying to get the adrenaline rush. A lot of people are looking for it.”
The 501.C3 organizations and the SCCA members seemed to be a perfect match. Debbie Quackenbush, the founder of American Military Family, uses volunteers like Michelle Benevides – who lost a son in Iraq – to help others with the adjustment period, and the Lindemanns are already recruiting SCCA members to help on other outdoor adventures.
“Lori and Russ have led the way for all of these car owners, pit crews and volunteers to show that it can be done,” Tom Torres, 18-year Army Veteran and founder of FOB Summit County, said.
In addition to the SCCA activities, FOB Summit County has hosted pontoon trips on Lake Dillon, fishing and camping trips, white water rafting excursions, ski and snowboarding trips, and much, much more. AMF has worked to assist in these excursions, as well as financially in other ways.
SCCA members and their friends who wish to contribute can do so in a number of ways. Monetary donations can be made by visiting AMF’s website at www.amf100.org, by visiting any Wells Fargo Bank branch and making a donation to the account of FOB Summit County – Tom Torres, or by mailing a check made payable to FOB Summit County Co to PO Box 25023, Silverthorne, CO 80497.
Those looking to volunteer on an outdoor excursion should contact Torres by email at torrestom2003@yahoo.com.
Both American Military Family and FOB Summit County have Facebook pages for more information.
The SCCA, naturally, also encourages its members to seek volunteer opportunities for causes important to them in their home regions. Contact your local Region for causes in your area that may already be supported by SCCA members, or bring your favorite cause to your Region leadership.
