By Stacey Jones
Rock River Current
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MARENGO — The Oscar Mike Foundation offers a variety of programs for injured veterans here in the Stateline area and around the country.
The organization’s goal is to keep veterans “on-the-move” and motivated. They help veterans participate in adaptive sporting events and assist them with the funds necessary to do so. They also have a 9,000-square-foot facility alongside a 210-acre lake where veterans can come for an intense week of workouts, outdoor activities and camaraderie.
Veterans who are interested in a more intensive program can attend a one-week course at the Oscar Mike compound. While there, veterans will have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:
- Basic nutrition and meal planning with grocery shopping to start off the week
- Adaptive workouts in the weight training room each night
- Flight lessons in a Cessna with guidance from the instructors
- UTV driving in a Polaris RZR 1000 off-road vehicle adapted with hand-controls
- Firearm shooting using custom rifles on a known distance range
- Kayaking, paddling boarding and fishing from the 260 feet of lakefront access
- Equestrian therapy at BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding
- Skydiving at Skydive Midwest or iFly Chicago for inclement weather conditions
- Adaptive triathlon to include a swim/kayak, cycle or hand cycle, and run/push. Distances are determined by athlete abilities
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about or participating in one of Oscar Mike’s programs you can find more information on their website here.
Oscar Mike is always looking for volunteers to assist veterans at sporting events, provide transportation for veterans or help with administrative work. You can also check out their line of sportswear and outerwear including T-shirts, hats, sports bottles and more here. All proceeds go to help veterans in the program.
This article is by Stacey Jones. If you have a favorite charitable organization that you would like to see featured during The 25 Days of Caring contact her at sjones@rmgmwf.com.