Kingsport Chamber
NEWS RELEASE
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Miles Burdine
President & CEO
Kingsport Chamber
Office: (423) 392-8807
George Chmiel to stop in Kingsport during his run across America
KINGSPORT, Tenn. – George Chmiel will hold a press conference on Wednesday, December 21, at 10 a.m. at the MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center.
Chmiel is running across America to support our Veterans by bringing awareness to the serious issues they face after returning home, and to benefit Chris Kyle’s Guardian for Heroes Foundation.
Chris Kyle, whose story was told in the book and movie “American Sniper”, was killed by a veteran he was helping with issues related to PTSD. After Chris’s death, his brother, Marine Jeff Kyle, continued Chris’s vision by keeping his foundation moving forward.
George’s heart was touched. His passion ignited. He saw the need to bring awareness to and support those that fight for our freedom. After 15 months of planning, he set off on his journey. He has been running for 71 days, averaging 32.71 miles per day. He began in San Diego and will end in New York, with a total of 3,002 miles through 14 states.
Chmiel is an endurance runner, speaker and a visionary. He has completed 100-mile races on six continents, 21 marathons and is one of 150 people in the world to have completed the 4Deserts series. He is the Founder and CEO of OZ Sports Group and is constantly looking for ways to make a difference in the world.
“I’ve learned that the spirit and generosity of the American people is strong,” said George Chmiel. “I’ve learned that when you’re willing to put it all on the line for something much bigger than yourself, people from all walks of life are willing to jump on board and commit to the fight.”
The community will be offered the opportunity to run alongside Chmiel later in the afternoon. More details are to follow.
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“It is a great thing to see and experience,” said Ernie Rumsby, Tri-Cities Military Affairs Council president. “We appreciate everything he is doing to support our Veterans and are looking forward to hearing his story.”
Also in attendance will be several of Kingsport’s combat warriors who fought in the Middle East and Vietnam. These heroes include retired Marine, Ken Lane, and soldiers, Josh Hall and Russ Hubbard, who were both wounded in combat and will participate in a documentary being filmed as Mr. Chmiel runs across America.
In addition to Mr. Chmiel, Mayor John Clark and Congressman Phil Roe, who are both advocates for America’s military veterans will offer brief comments.
“I have always supported, and always will support, the needs of our veterans,”said Kingsport Mayor John Clark. “Their sacrifices have kept us free. Simply stated, we must fight for them because they have fought for us.”
“I will never apologize for spending money to provide soldiers the resources they need to train and fight in the field,and to take care of them when they return home,” said Congressman Phil Roe.
For more information, visit beastmodeforthebrave.org.