OPERATION RETURN TO DUTY

It has been 9 years since I completed my enlisted service in the United States Marine Corps. I have spent those years pursuing my doctoral degree in clinical psychology in order to help servicemen and servicewomen suffering from the psychological wounds of combat and military stress. I have orders to report to duty as a Psychology Intern at Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Washington where I will be recommissioned as an Army Captain and begin a career in military psychology.

During my time at graduate school, I co-founded The 6th Branch and have been leading Operation Oliver. The 6th Branch has worked with many partners in the veteran community and one of those partners is Semper Fidelis Health & Wellness. SFHW has helped the leaders of Operation Oliver maintain balance and fitness through free yoga classes as well as fitness and nutritional counseling, and they provide an array of services and equipment to wounded vets throughout the country.

As I leave my duties with The 6th Branch and assume my duties in the US Army, I decided to give a little bit more back by bicycling from the East Coast to my new duty station in the Pacific Northwest. I will begin pedaling on April 30th and I need to report for duty on June 4th. Half of the proceeds will benefit Semper Fidelis Health & Wellness and allow them to continue providing pro bono wellness services to wounded veterans. The other half will benefit The 6th Branch and Operation Oliver. I hope you will be part of my journey and track my progress as we attempt to reach a fundraising goal of $25,000.

Yours in service,

Rich Blake