Today we’d like to introduce you to Nico Marcolongo. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Nico Marcolongo is a San Diego, CA native. In 1994, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Marine Corps. He served 14 years both as an infantry officer and intelligence officer and attained the rank of Major. Nico deployed three times to the Western Pacific, to the Balkans in support of NATO operations and to Iraq twice. In 2003, Nico established a fund through his own charitable efforts, the Buddy Bowl: wwww.buddybowl.org, at the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) to benefit injured veterans and first responders. The fund eventually morphed into the Operation Rebound program at CAF. At the conclusion of his military service in February 2008, Nico joined CAF where he leads the CAF Operation Rebound program for injured veterans and first responders.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No smooth sailing here. Most worthwhile endeavors take effort as they generally disrupt the status quo. With that, through critical thought and successful communication, most obstacles may be overcome. Being able to effectively connect with hundreds of veterans and first responders across the country and gaining an intimate understanding of what support they may need to help them succeed is something on which I reflect daily. The challenge is to ensure my decisions and actions are empowering vice enabling for those whom we support.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have the honor and privilege of leading the CAF Operation Rebound program for injured veterans and first responders.
CAF Operation Rebound provides grants year-around to active duty service members, honorably discharged veterans and first responders with permanent physical injuries for sports equipment, competition and training expenses in the sport or recreational activity of their own choosing. This unique support model is effective in improving both physical and psychological well-being as it allows veterans and first responders to determine their own course towards healing and, in so doing, promotes independence in other aspects of their lives. The program supports nationwide and does not restrict support based upon geography, time of year or type of sport in which an individual chooses to engage. Since 2005, the program has supported over 3,000 individuals experience the healing power of sports.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Seeing our veterans and first responders excel in life. It tells me that we’re making a difference.
Pricing:
- Prosthetic limb: $25,000
- Handcyle: $3,500
- Racing Chair: $3,000
Contact Info:
- Email: nico@challengedathletes.org
- Website: www.operationrebound.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OperationReboundCAF/?ref=pages_you_manage
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cafoundation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIcNFnEvNCtdy28UoCrFGsbpy3AwLEFqt
