Operation: New Trails, Leader Of The Pack

Legend has it that during WWII, General of the Army George C. Marshall, once said, “I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player.”

Not all West Point graduates played football while at the Academy, but that spirit of dedication and determination is deeply embedded in all of them.

Tyler and I are very pleased to have found our very own “Black Knight” … a newly minted 2LT, member of the USMA Class of 2016, who has very recently stepped forward to join our efforts with Operation New Trails and hopefully other Nine Line Foundation projects in the future. A chance meeting on Monday with Tyler; and a reconnection from a lifetime of relationships with Grant’s extended family for me; a gung-ho “can do” attitude; supportive family and friends – and Grant Van Orden has jumped in, body and soul, and is bringing much appreciated energy and enthusiasm to our fundraising efforts … and we know he’ll bring his expertise and energy on to the trail as well!

To date Grant has raised nearly $9,000 since he began his campaign less than a week ago demonstrating what an individual can do for our wounded heroes. As a 100% volunteer force, all funds raised for Nine Line Foundation will go directly to building a wheel chair accessible home for SFC Aaron Causey. Learn more about Grant and this initiative here: https://grouprev.com/NineLineOperationNewTrails2016-grant-vanorden

By: Megan Hostler