Palm Beach, FL - Far away from the battlefield, members of the Achilles FREEDOM TEAM of Wounded Veterans, including 5 local veterans from the VA Medical Center, will have an opportunity to enjoy the view, the spectacular cuisine, and most importantly, golf the “Championship 18” of Trump International Golf Club, on Friday, December 5, 2008, courtesy of Donald J. Trump.  Successful in business, he still has a lot of heart for our troops this Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving is about giving thanks, and I am grateful for all the men and women who have allowed me to live in freedom in this wonderful country.  I personally thank each and every one of you for what you have done for me and for this nation.  Your sacrifice is not in vain nor is it unnoticed,” says Mr. Trump

Master Pro Dr. Gary Wiren will provide golf lessons to the wounded veterans, most who are amputees preparing as a team to compete in the Dec 7^th Marathon of the Palm Beaches.  After the Friday morning lesson, there will be a buffet lunch on the outdoor terrace for all the “TEE-OFF with the VETS” tournament golfers, vets, and their family members who are here with them to witness their athletic achievement over the weekend; on the greens and two days later, the 26.2 mile course of the Marathon of the Palm Beaches.  Patriotic events  are planned prior to the 12:15 Shotgun of this inaugural tournament.  Other Palm Beach supporters include Jana & John Scarpa, Alfons Schmidt, Howard & Michele Kessler, Robert Garvy of Intech, David McCourt, Hall of Famer Jim Palmer, JC & Marty Meyers, George Cloutier & Tiffany Spadafora, Phil Byrnes and John Biondo.

The evening at Trump offers an opportunity for all others in the community to ‘meet and greet’ the wounded vets at the Evening Welcome Reception Benefit beginning at 6PM. There will be a light dinner buffet, wine bar courtesy of Southern Wines, special entertainment from United We Sing and an opportunity to hear from a few of the FREEDOM TEAM members.  All evening reception tickets are $375. To reserve, call 561-659-0873.

On Sunday, December 7th, twenty-nine athletes with disabilities from Achilles, including severely wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan of the Freedom Team will line up early to demonstrate their strength and courage in the Marathon of the Palm Beaches.   Many without limbs, or suffering from paralysis will be in the handcrank wheelchair division that starts off early at 5:50 am, ten minutes before the regular start of the able-bodied runners. 

At least five of the veterans joining the FREEDOM TEAM this year are from the local VA Hospital on Blue Herron.  “This year we’re very excited about integrating more local veterans into the FREEDOM TEAM” says Mary Bryant, who is the Founder and Director of the team, and Vice President of Achilles International.   “Previously, most of our members came directly from the major military hospitals, such as Walter Reed, yet now we’ve opened the Achilles program up to the local VA since the community of the Palm Beaches is so supportive of our efforts!”

Along with Achilles South Florida regulars from Miami, Lance Benson (a successful commercial real-estate broker with Grub & Ellis born without legs competes on a skateboard) and Juan Carlos Gil (mobility and visually impaired), you’ll find Achilles members from Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Greenacres!  For them, it will be a first time experience to take on a full marathon. 

RSVP:  561 659 0873  

Ticket Price - $375

About Achilles   

Achilles International, is dedicated to enabling people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics, thereby promoting personal achievement, enhanced self-esteem, and the lowering of barriers between able-bodied and disabled people. Founded in 1983 as a running club, this worldwide organization is represented in over 70 countries.

The “Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Vets” is comprised mainly of young men and women from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center and Balboa Naval Hospital who have been wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan.   Achilles provides for race training and entries, financial and educational support, and encouragement and team spirit, and its members participate in wide variety of athletic events such as marathons, runs, biathlons, triathlons, bike races and tours and swimming meets around the nation and the world.