jean mellano's Fundraiser:

Steve Tarpinian was my soul mate of over 33 years and took his own life on 3/15/2015. Steve was a remarkable man and impacted so many lives in powerful and positive ways, both as a coach of sport and a coach of life. In his memory, one of my goals is to help raise funds for Airborne Tri Team, where veterans are helping other veterans with their emotional and physical well being through team building and sport, both are approaches that were near and dear to Steve's heart. Although Steve and myself were not veterans, like most Americans, we have veterans in our families; my dad was a WWII army vet, Steve's dad is a Korean war vet, my brother in law is a Vietnam War marine vet and my nephew is first Iraq War army vet. Veterans have sacrificed so much for our country but their suicide rates are staggering. So, fund raising for veterans is my way of paying it forward in Steve's memory.

In 2004, the MightyMan half iron distance triathlon was conceived by Steve (who completed 18 Ironman races himself) and his long time friend Chris Pfund, so it is a fitting tribute that the Airborne Tri Team has chosen this event to help them too become Ironmen and IronWomen, although, as veterans of our country, they already are made of Iron.