<p>From: Damon Dixon <a href="mailto:damon.dixon@mac.com ">damon.dixon@mac.com</a>mailto:sstrasem@usna.edu ”>sstrasem@usna.edu</a>mailto:damon.dixon@navsoc.socom.mil ”>damon.dixon@navsoc.socom.mil</a>
<p>Scott,</p>
<p>I need your help.</p>
<p>I am competing in the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona-Kailua
<p>thanks</p>
<p>Very Respectfully,</p>
<p>Damon Dixon</p>
<p>(cel) 858-245-9828href="mailto:damon.dixon@mac.com ">damon.dixon@mac.com</a></p>
<p>
August 31, 2007
Dear Friends,</p>
<p>I am writing to inform you that I was selected to be on the Navy Triathlon Team to compete in the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona-Kailua Hawaii on October 13, 2007. I am excited and honored for this opportunity to represent the Navy and our country. </p>
<p>I am racing for a friend, a fallen Naval Academy classmate, Major Doug Zembiec (USMC). Doug was part of the Marine Corps’ Special Operating Forces; A Force Recon Marine who died while fighting in Baghdad, Iraq on May 11, 2007. I am raising money for his daughter’s scholarship fund. </p>
<p>Doug is a modern day war hero. During one of the bloodiest battles of the war, the fight for Fallujah, Fellow Marine, Capt. Tom Ripley stated, “He was unstoppable.” His efforts to direct a tank to fire on a building housing insurgents seemed to go nowhere. “Doug ran outside amid rocket-propelled grenades and machine-gun fire and he jumped up on the tank," recalled Captain Edward Solis. Zembiec pointed with his rifle at where the tank should aim before running back to his position unscathed. The tank hit its target. “The jaws of every Marine there had dropped. It was like, did he just do that? I am a God-fearing man, but he just sort of walked on water that day,” Solis said. While describing his men that day, Doug said, "My men are fighting like lions.” Zembiec’s exhilaration in battle prompted others to name him “The Lion of Fallujah.” </p>
<p>Doug is survived by his wife, Pamela and daughter, Fallyn. He is also survived by his parents, Don and Jo Ann Zembiec and his brother, John Zembiec. It’s important to me as a father and a Naval Officer to support my fallen war hero and his family. I know Doug would want nothing more than to see his daughter reach her full potential. He wrote a note to himself, “Become the greatest husband and father ever,” By competing in the IRONMAN, it is my goal to help Fallyn realize her full potential. I ask that you join me in my endeavor to raise $25,000 by making a financial contribution to Fallyn’s college education scholarship fund. Donations can be made by making a check out to Smith Barney and mailed to:
<p>I dedicate this race to Doug Zembiec and his family. Additional info regarding Doug’s heroism can be found in the following link below and the embedded video.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/16/AR2007051602860.html[/url] ”>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/16/AR2007051602860.html</a></p> ;
<p>Very respectfully,</p>
<p>Damon B. Dixonhref="mailto:Damon.dixon@mac.com ">Damon.dixon@mac.com</a>; (c) 858 245 9828
</p>
<p>GA,