Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Farina | Some individuals and teams wore costumes or custom-designed shirts for the 2017 Polar...... read more read more
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Soldiers and Family Members of the 10th Mountain Division joined with the surrounding community of Fort Drum to participate in the 2nd annual Polar Plunge April 8 at Sackets Harbor, New York to raise money for Special Olympics athletes.
The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club 10th Mountain Chapter presented the Polar Plunge. The event drew in 12 sponsorships from local businesses and organizations. Over 100 participants took the plunge and raised $14,597, according to Staff Sgt. Jason Thomas, the vice president of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club 10th Mountain Division chapter.
Thomas led the SAMC’s efforts to create the event. He arranged for assistance from regional law enforcement and emergency services including a New York State Police Dive team.
Side fun activities included team and individual costume contests, face painting and a polar bear mascot.
This year also paid special tribute to Richard “Butch” Coseo, the Former Sackets Harbor Police Chief who provided security assistance last year. He passed away not long after last year’s plunge.
“We wouldn’t have had such a fantastic event last year without him cordoning off the area and having his police officers on station,” said Thomas about Coseo.
After a moment of silence for the former police chief, the police diver gave the safety thumbs up and instructions were announced, the only thing left to do was plunge.
Thomas led the charge into the harbor while carrying a ceremonial torch.
According to the dive team, the water temperature was at approximately 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
Team “Shiver My Liver,” led by Candi Maciel and her husband, Sgt. 1st Class David Maciel, a platoon sergeant for Company D, 2-14 Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, raised the most funds which had accumulated to over $2,000 by the time it came to plunge.
“We are avid supporters of the Special Olympics,” said Candi. “I have a younger brother with down syndrome who is 25 years old. He’s a huge part of our life and our family. This is a cause that we care very much about.”
It was the second year in a row that the Maciels earned the top honor for raising the most funds. Members of David’s company donated and volunteered to take the plunge as well.
The Maciels are hoping to raise $4,000 in funds to sponsor up to 10 Special Olympics athletes, allowing them to train and compete throughout the entire year, according to David.
Team “Dippin’ Dots” consisting of 10th Mountain Division Soldiers showed up wearing costumes. 2nd Lt. Arielle Weeks, a platoon leader out of the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd BCT donned a pink and white full-sized bunny suit.
“We formed together to raise money for the Special Olympics,” said Weeks. “It’s really important to get involved with community and local events like this.”
Weeks voiced her unfazed attitude toward the frigid water temperatures.
“I wish it was a little colder,” said Weeks. “Maybe some mountain peak conditions.”
Thomas himself took on a 10th Mountain Division-specific motto for the event.
“Plunge to glory!” he said with a laugh.
| Date Taken: | 04.11.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 04.11.2017 13:40 |
| Story ID: | 230000 |
| Location: | FORT DRUM, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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