Tale of two American cities

1. Berkeley, CA: The city council was debating a measure calling for the ouster of the US Marine recruiting office because the majority of residents were against the war in Iraq. Once the state and federal government threatened to pull all funding, they broke ranks and modified their position. Read more by clicking HERE.

2. Sea Isle City, NJ: From day one, the city has WELCOMED our military veterans & supported the Tri for Our Veterans race - Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. Mayor Desiderio recognized the importance of keeping the memorial in Memorial Day weekend and rallied his office and the city's departments behind the event. Folks like Vicki Feeney (Recreation) and Tom D'Intino (SIC Police) have been so suportive and helpful. By working together, we have put together a great race course and a wonderful event to kick off the summer. Recently, Sea Isle's Department of Public Relations issued a press release about the race-- read below.

There you have it America-- when the going gets tough, some turn their backs, while others help out. This race blog will remain apolitical; I do not think you need to be a Democrat or a Republican, for the war or against it to support the brave men and women in uniform. I think you just need to be an American.

Race update: 85 days to go and we have 139 people registered. Want to volunteer? Email me at mcculleyfordham@hotmail.com

Sea Isle City adds triathlon to calendar of events

Sea Isle City - A new event, a triathlon dubbed Tri For Our Veterans, is taking place in Sea Isle City on Saturday, May 24, 2008. The three-part race will begin at 7:30 A.M. and will consist of a 400-meter ocean swim, a 12.3 mile (4.1 mile loop) bicycle race and a 3.1 mile beach run.The event, which is expected to draw hundreds of athletes from around the region, will serve as a fundraiser for the injured marine Semper Fi Fund and Sea Isle City VFW Post 1963. Additionally, organizers hope that the race will shine a spotlight on the needs of injured veterans and those serving in the United States Military.

According to Race Director Matt McCulley, the triathlon will be a positive way to kick off the summer season and celebrate Memorial Day Weekend. "We want to keep the word 'memorial' in Memorial Day," said McCulley. "Our real focus is on our returning soldiers, injured marines and the work Semper Fi Fund has done."Established in 2004, Semper Fi Fund provides financial assistance and quality of life solutions to injured marines, their families and other service members injured in direct support of marine units. The fund also supports Team Semper Fi, which is made up of injured marines and sailors who compete in athletic events that raise funds and awareness for wounded veterans. Team Semper Fi provides wounded team members with coaches, specialized sporting equipment, entry fees and travel expenses.

McCulley, who is not a military veteran, was inspired to organize Tri For Our Veterans during a visit to the Jersey shore in 2007. It was then that he decided to combine his love for Sea Isle City, his passion for endurance racing, and his tremendous respect for America's veterans - especially those who have been injured while serving their country."We have to put our best foot forward and give as much support as we can to our military," said McCulley. "The city of Sea Isle City and VFW Post 1963 have been supporting Tri For Our Veterans since day one, so I knew that Sea Isle was the right place for this event."

For information concerning the Semper Fi Fund, visit www.semperfifund.org . Those wishing to compete in the triathlon can register at click here.