R3’s Nik Miller (right) is preparing to compete in the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Paracanoe World Sprint Championships.

The ICF is the Governing body and the highest level of sprint competition in the world. Nik is the US National Champion, US record holder, and the US Team representative; winning and holding this position each year since 2013. This year is a Summer Olympic Qualifying year; where placing in the top 6 will gain a country quota for the 2016 Paralympics. Nik’s goal and dream is to represent the USA in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio De Janero, Brazil.

Nik’s previous race results range from a 36-mile relay to 200-meter sprints, placing first in a majority of the races with a few second place finishes:

• 2013 Endeavor Games 1st Place K1-200M Paracanoe

• 2013 Lake Placid International 1st place in K1-200m Paracanoe

• 2013 US Team trials, US Team Men’s Para K1 LTA

• 2013 US National Championships 1st Place K1-200M and 5000M Paracanoe

• 2013 ICF World Championships 8th place “B” Finals Duisburg, Germany

• 2014 Lake Placid International 1st place in K1-200m Paracanoe

• 2014 US Team trials, US Team Men’s Para K1 LTA

• 2014 ICF World Championships Moscow, Russia

• 2015 Ted Houk Regatta 1st Place K1-200M Paracanoe

• 2015 Lake Lanier Summer Regatta 1st Place K1-200M Masters Able Body

• 2015 Lake Lanier Summer Regatta 1st Place K1-200M Paracanoe

• 2015 US Team trials, US Team Men’s Para K1 LTA/KL3

To compete at the Paracanoe World Championships, Nik must raise money to fund his travel. Due to the special adaptive equipment and paddle transportation, his travel has many additional fees. The cost of airfare and lodging are the largest costs ranging from $3,600-$4,000 as well as boat rental and race fees averaging $200-$400.

 

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Those Who Know

Few know a hero’s heart,
whose quiet sacrifices saved countless souls.
Most obsess through shallow lives, numb to silent gifts bestowed by those who serve. Blessed one is to have walked with others duty called: those who serve when others won’t, who lead when others don’t,
Those who stand when others run,
who fall so others may live:
Those who know sacrifice,
and for a brother their lives will give.
During the darkest hour and on “the long walk,”
the truest nature of one’s core is revealed.
No doubt even to those you have never met
and greater still among brothers who you have led,
and leaders with whom you’ve served
that within you beats a true warrior’s hear.

From Your Brother: Ken Martin
Explosive Ordnance Disposal
LCDR (ret.), USN

Ken Martin retired from the US Navy after more than 23 years of service as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician.  He composed the previous tribute in honor of all the EOD Warriors past and present who have served and continue to serve selflessly, on the occasion of being selected for Master Chief.  We hope Ken’s words resonate within the EOD Community.

 
02.21.2015 – R3’s Jerry Shelton, who serves as an EOD Warrior Foundation (EODWF) Ambassador, participated in the EODWF-sponsored “P.I.G. Race” (PIG stands for Perseverance, Intensity and Grit), a family-friendly farm festival fun run at Camp Westminster in Conyers, GA. Additionally, he assisted US Air Force EOD personnel from Dobbins Air Reserve Base (ARB), GA with an EOD capabilities display to raise public awareness of the EOD mission.