GSD Fundraiser for Homeland Heroes Foundation
Marine Corps League Detachment 542 and Mike Martioski had chosen to create a fundraiser and donate all profits to the Homeland Heroes Foundation! This remarkable organization is run by dedicated staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to fulfill their mission! Mike has personally utilized their services when the chips were down and he was incredibly proud to use his body as an instrument to give back to these outstanding people!
Mike competed in a weight lifting competition called "Bigger Than Your Self", at the Mass Iron Barbell Club. They graciously allowed Mike and the GSD to run a concurrent fundraiser for the Homeland Heroes Foundation.
The mission of Homeland Heroes Foundation is to offer an array of supportive services to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families in their time of need to help restore a sense of community, independence, and well-being at home.
Mike set a lofty goal of raising $2500 during this event. In three types of lifts, bench press (280#), dead lift (400#), and squat (330#), Mike was able to life a total of 1010 pounds! Side note, he did the exhibition deadlift in the BDU's he wore in Iraq 20 years ago (350#). Oorah!
With the use of social media, emails, and word of mouth to personal family and friends, we were able to raise $2,415.49! After fees associated with the event we had $2,158.47 to donate to Homeland Heroes; but we at GSD wanted to help make the goal and donated $341.53 to get the total to $2500!
Mike Martioski and Gary Gahan, Commandant, presented a check to Julie Weymouth, Cofounder of Homeland Heroes Foundation on December 13th as part of the "A Gathering of Gyrene's" hosted by the USMC, when Julie was the guest speaker.
Thank you to EVERYONE that made a donation to this great organization to help our fellow veterans. Below is a video montage of the weight lifting competition with our new JCV, Mike Martioski.