Date and Time: Saturday July 13, 2024 7PM

Place: 28th St Beach- Ocean City, NJ

Distance: .75 Mile Ocean Swim (parallel to shore/with the current/large beach patrol buoys for sighting) and a 3.1 Mile LOW TIDE Beach Run

 

Dear OC Iron Soldiers SWIMRUN past and present competitors, volunteers, family and friends,

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Please consider this an official invite to the 23nd Annual OC Iron Soldiers SWIMRUN. I’m honored to again join you all in supporting our brave servicemen and women currently deployed in the Middle East and many other very dangerous parts of the world. What a strong statement you have all made over the years in supporting the Troops and letting them know that while they are over there, we are here for them.

 

**NOTE** ALL ENTRY FEES ARE WAIVED. NO CHARGE TO COMPETE** 

 

Competitors are asked to bring, the night of the race, Treats for Troops items that our volunteers will pack and ship following the event. A list of requested items to bring are in the above attachment. Please ONLY bring items on the list. NO aerosol cans. Monetary donations to help pay to ship the care packages will be gladly accepted. Waiver signing and transition set up begins at 6:00PM on the beach. This is an INVITE ONLY event open to the first 100 people so please email me back to confirm your entry. You will then be added to the competitor list. If your entry is confirmed and later you are unable to attend, please be courteous and let me know so we can give your entry to someone else. Also, if you just want to swim or run, we set up relay teams.

 

HONORING A LOCAL FALLEN WARRIOR

This year we are honoring ARMY SPC David P. Mahlenbrock of Maple Shade, NJ. SPC Mahlenbrock was killed in action December 3, 2004 when an improvised explosive device detonated as he was clearing a route in Kikuk, Iraq. He was assigned to the 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. David graduated from Maple Shade High School, where he was a member of the football team and Captain of the wrestling team.

 

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CARL R. FRANCESKI SR.

A special remembrance to long time Ocean City family member and friend, Carl Franceski, Sr. Carl passed away after a long and valiant battle against cancer. Carl was a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He deployed to Vietnam, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment. He fought bravely and was honorably discharged after two years of active service. 

 

Our team at Philadelphia Treats for Troops are all civilians and never had the honor of serving our country. The Iron Soldiers SWIMRUN event is our way of paying back a debt we can never fully repay to our brave warriors. Please ONLY join us on the 13th if you feel the same way. We promise to do everything possible to make this night special for you and the family of SPC Mahlenbrock. If you have any questions, please contact me any time.