Innovations Academy
NEWS

Former SEALs plan bike ride fundraiser

David and Mike Charbonnet (courtesy photo)

Former SEALs plan bike ride fundraiser

The phrase “like father, like son” was coming to fruition for Mike and David Charbonnet until a horrific accident redirected them in a way they never imagined.

The father, Mike, a Scripps Ranch resident, is a Navy SEAL veteran. His Class 98 recently had its 40th reunion. His son, David, born in San Diego, was in Class 278 and following in his father’s footsteps.

Then, about a year into his career at age 26, David was injured in a parachuting accident outside of San Diego which left him paralyzed from the waist down. That was in October of 2011.

Mike and his wife, Beth, were living in Texas at the time but quickly realized changes were coming.

“We got the news (about David’s injury) and found out we were going to need to move right away,” Mike said.

After a series of medical procedures, David began rehabilitating at the VIP NeuroRehabilitation Center in San Diego. A process that continues to this day.

Along the way, however, he was given the opportunity to become the president of VIP NeuroRehabilitation Center, which now includes the title of CEO as well.

“Before taking over that clinic, the biggest thing he ever organized was a paint ball game,” Mike joked. “He has come a long ways.”

Just as David, along with his wife, Janet, who also helps manage VIP, were making adjustments in their lives, Mike was not a spectator on the sidelines. He and some of his fellow SEAL classmates created Beyond the Teams, an organization to help those with physical challenges, cultural disadvantages and needs that were not being met.

As Mike was quoted in a recent article, “Our battlefield is no longer the theater of Special Warfare. It’s the world of fundraising.”

One of those efforts is coming up in a few months when Mike and four of his SEAL friends are going to make a 1,000-mile bike ride to raise money for VIP NeuroRehabilitation Center, which is a stand-alone non-profit that services people from all walks of life, whether they have been in the military or not.

Specifically, there is one piece of equipment that is always in high demand at VIP.

Called the Lokomat, it basically helps people learn how to walk again.

“I would say 80 to 85 percent of the patients at the VIP need and use the Lokomat,” Mike said. “The results in some cases have been phenomenal. Some patients are actually walking again.”

The challenge right now is that VIP NeuroRehabilitation Center only has one of the units and the cost is $350,000 for a second unit.

“To date we have raised $25,000 but, obviously, we have a long way to go to reach our goal,” Mike said.

The bike ride will begin in late October in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It will take 11 days and finish at the Navy SEAL Museum in Ft. Pierce, Florida on Nov. 9, coinciding with the 34th annual Muster and Music Festival Honoring The 75th Anniversary of D-Day.

The last segment of the ride will be 53-miles.

“I have had 29 surgeries. My fellow SEALS on the ride are old geezers like myself,” Mike said. “But if I have to crawl to Florida, I will be there.”

The plan now is for David to join the group for the last segment by using a hand cycle.

Those who would like to make a donation can do so by visiting the VIP NeuroRehabilitation Center website vipneurorehab.org or Beyond the Teams at beyondtheteams.org.

96 thoughts on “Former SEALs plan bike ride fundraiser”

  2. I purchased some coins to beցіn ԝith. Hɑνe been playing
    for arⲟund two weeks, and Iaam now ᥙρ to аround ɑ bilⅼion dollars.

    Ι am а conservative player аs it appears
    tto ƅe workіng. Fun machines!!! Update – I’ve learned tо play extremely cautiously.

    Ӏf you’re aggressive, ʏou’ll be abble to lose yoսr money іn a heartbeat.
    Ꮃhile hɑving fun, I’ve һad to buy coins numerous tіmes.
    I think thiѕ is one of the most reliable casinos
    on tһe market!! І love these Bingo Plսs once again!!!
    Excellent payofgfs ɑnd lⲟts of fun!! !

  4. I’m truly impressed by the profound understanding and superb ability to convey information. Your expertise is evident in every sentence. It’s evident that you invest a great deal of effort into understanding your topics, and that effort is well-appreciated. We appreciate your efforts in sharing this valuable knowledge. Continue the excellent job! https://rochellemaize.com

  6. I’ve observed that in the world of today, video games would be the latest phenomenon with children of all ages. Many times it may be unattainable to drag your kids away from the activities. If you want the best of both worlds, there are various educational video games for kids. Interesting post.

  18. Good ?I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..

  33. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Powered By: WordPress | Theme: MagazineBook By OdieThemes