Hillery to compete for Wounded Warriors

FALLBROOK — Rob Hillery, a Marine captain based at Camp Pendleton, has won a slot in the Ironman Lottery to participate in the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI, on October 10.

“I want to challenge myself physically, mentally and spiritually in the most challenging one-day endurance event in the entire world, on behalf of our Wounded Warriors through the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund,” Hillery said.

The Semper Fi Fund is a nonprofit organization that helps America’s heroes recovering from catastrophic injury.

The fund raises money for expenses not covered by the government, including specialized equipment, home modifications, adaptive vans and vehicles for wheelchair use, travel and lodging expenses for loved ones to be at hospitals and compensatory pay for spouses and/or parents who have to take large amounts of time off work to take care of their Wounded Warriors.

Hillery’s goal is to raise $20,000 in donations to the fund through his participation in the Ironman competition for Team Semper Fi (TSF). His sponsors include his parents, Bob and Mary Ann Hillery of Fallbrook.

No amount is too small or too large to donate and 100 percent of the donations go to help injured Marines.

TSF was established in 2006 by the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund as an extension of the assistance that the Fund provides to those who are injured in combat and training.

The idea for TSF was inspired by those wounded Marines and sailors who refuse to let their challenges prevent them from competing in athletic events and whose drive and determination was inspirational to everyone.

To donate to the fund, go to http://www.active.com/donate/semperfifund09/ironman2009.

For more information on the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, visit http://www.semperfifund.org.