“I was thinking I want to go skydiving” - This was one of the last conversations I had with Scott Helvenston back in 2004. Scott and I met in 2002 at work, we hit it off instantly and became great friends. He was larger than life, was driven, always in motion, and definitely into fitness and being the best he could be. And IF I ever had the guts to jump out of a perfectly good plane, Scott was the guy I wanted to train me. Unfortunately, this idea was never realized as on March 31, 2004, Scott and his team were ambushed in Iraq and all four men lost their lives, Scott along with Jerry Zovko, Mike Teague and Wes Batalona. I have been thinking about skydiving ever since and have finally set a date. On March 31, 2018, I will be jumping from 14,000 feet above the Virginia Skydive Center in Petersburg, Virginia. In keeping his spirit alive, I am raising funds for the Navy SEAL Foundation in Scott’s name.
Scott Helvenston was a Navy SEAL for 12 years before leaving the Navy in 1994. He was the youngest person to ever complete the Navy SEAL training at 17 years old. He was the kind of man that we should strive to be. In the face of adversity he would not look for the easy way out. He would instead look for the route that would complete the mission at any cost. Scott's dedication to his teammates ensured that he would never leave a man behind and would do anything and everything for anyone that needed his help. It is my intention to use this jump as a way to continue his legacy and give back to the community that he loved.
Several people have asked me how much to donate and my answer is, whatever you can. If you want to sponsor me for a half cent per foot, that would be great, if you want to sponsor a tenth of a cent per foot, that would be great too. No amount is too great or too small. All of the money donated from this site goes directly to the Navy SEAL Foundation, none of it comes to me.
The mission of the Navy SEAL Foundation is to provide immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and its families. Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, there has been an unprecedented demand for our Special Operations Forces. Never before has so much been asked of so few, from so many, for so long. Established in 2000 to serve U.S. Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, Naval Special Warfare support personnel and their families, the Navy SEAL Foundation’s programs are focused on the preservation of the Naval Special Warfare force and their families. They provide a comprehensive set of programs specifically designed to improve health and welfare, build and enhance resiliency, empower and educate families and provide critical support during times of illness, injury, loss and transition.
For more information and additional volunteer opportunities visit www.navysealfoundation.org
You can support my jump by donating to the Navy SEAL Foundation, sending prayers, or coming to watch the jump in March. I truly appreciate all the support and encouragement. This is something that is exciting but terrifying to me at the same time. Scott was very proud of being a SEAL and I am very proud to call him a friend. He stood by the motto, "The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday". I am up for the challenge!
Thank you!
For more information about the Virginia Skydive Center and directions please visit http://www.virginiaskydivingcenter.com
