Last week, ExxonMobil donated $20, 000 to the Wounded Warrior Program, an organization that works to provide empowerment and honor to wounded soldiers through increased awareness, aid and various other services.
The donation was made through ExxonMobil Open’s ‘Top Brass’ Charity Sled Dog Race, which invited six of the United States’ most elite Armed Forces representatives to compete for the Top Brass title in a three mile race.
Each of the military men was given a three-dog team and a musher mentor from last year’s ‘Top Dog’ charity race, which has been part of Alaskan tradition since 1973. Aaron Stryk, ExxonMobil public and government affairs advisor, explained that the race is a way of recognizing the official sport of Alaska while emphasizing the institutions that contribute greatly to the community. The sponsors especially wanted to pay tribute to the nation’s wounded warriors, he said.
“Thank you for all you do in service to Alaska and our country,” Stryk said. “I hope this can be our way of saying thank you.”
Maj. Gen. Thomas Katkus was one of the five senior leaders participating in the event.
“This was excellent and really fun,” he said, after winning the competition by nearly a minute with the help of Cooper, Eeyore and Lizzy. “About 100 yards into the trail, you don’t hear anything except the dogs breathing and the sounds of the sled runners going down the trail.
“This was my first time mushing, but I had a team of veteran dogs in front of me, keeping me on the sled. I also followed the advice I was given to just hang on to the sleds and the dogs will do the work for you.”
Katkus added, “I would like to thank ExxonMobil on behalf of all the military. I want to convey the importance of their donation and how it’s going to change people’s lives for the better.”
Feeding America reports that one sixth of all Americans contend with hunger. Feeding America is a charity whose mission is to feed that hungry. It helps in all 50 states and has more that 200 foodbanks nationwide.