More than two thousand years ago, 300 Greek Spartans stood at the Gates of Thermopile (commonly known as the “Gates of Fire”) to deny over a million Persians from invading Greece and destroying the seeds of democracy. All but one died in the final battle at the Gates of Fire to tell the story to the rest of Greece and inspire a nation to defend itself. These Spartans were recently brought back from history in the movie “The 300” and Steven Pressfield’s book, “Gates of Fire”.
Three years ago, America called on 300 Paratroopers from the infamous 82nd Airborne Division to form a Task Force aimed at destroying Al-Qaeda of Iraq in their base of operations just outside of Baghdad during the Iraq Surge of 2007. This Task Force was named appropriately after the Spartans of Greece, “Task Force 300”.
Those 300 modern-day Spartans destroyed the stronghold that Al-Qaeda had established in the Diyala River Valley of Iraq helping to facilitate the success of General Petraeus’ Surge in the highly dangerous region of Iraq. While decisive victory was achieved, it came at an extreme cost. Out of those 300 modern-day Spartans, 98 were wounded in action and another 22 did not make it home to their families, giving the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in defense of our great Nation. Following the success of the campaign, the Diyala River Valley is devoid of Al-Qaeda to this day.
The American 300 Foundation has teamed up with the Warrior Tours to combine forces and a shared vision to establish the “Twenty-two Fund” and advance the resiliency of American Warriors and their families through tours aimed at bringing the best and brightest American minds in the Olympic, Extreme Sports, Education, Business and Military together; both at home and overseas.
the GOAL
The aim of The American 300 Foundation and the “Twenty-two Fund” is to raise awareness for what those amazing modern day Spartans did and memorialize the 22 men that gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the United States and the rest of the free world. Started in 2009, the founder, one of the commanders of Task Force 300, will be running a series of races across the United States and Iraq ranging from several short to long-distance races, including an Ultra Marathon, and finally culminating with the Ironman race. Upon completion of the Ironman, we will have totaled over 322 miles: 300 miles for “Task Force 300” and an additional mile for each man killed in action. This founder/commander’s effort in combination with The Warrior Tours programming is aimed at advancing the resiliency of American Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors to maintain the legacy of the American Spartans of the United States Military.
the solution
The 'American300 Twenty-two Fund' has been established with minimal administrative costs to provide registered families of the fallen with a one-time monetary gift. The Foundation also has advisors who are ready to assist the families with pro-bono financial council if desired; and a Foundation Sub-Committee has been established to place a monument in the hometowns of each of the service members killed in action Spartan Task Force 300, forever memorializing and paying tribute to the fallen members of Task Force 300. After the successful completion of ' Mission Spartan Twenty-two ' the American300 Foundation will nominate another area of focused funding to further salute the sacrifice that American Service Members have made throughout the Global War on Terrorism around the World
The “American300 Twenty-two Fund” has been established to raise awareness for what 300 modern day Spartans did and to memorialize and support the family members of the 22 men that gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the United States and the rest of the free world.