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Iceman Cometh Challenge Means More to Marine Veteran, Biking for a Cause

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For the 29th year, thousands of people hopped on their bikes to make the 30 mile ride from Kalkaska to Traverse City for the Iceman Cometh Challenge.

It’s a race that is extra special for Traverse City native John Reid.

He traveled 1,300 miles from Colorado, proving there’s more to the race than your finish time.

“Before I joined the Marine Corps, I came to do this race one last time because it was kind of my true test before I went to boot camp,” said John.

He then went overseas to serve and protect our country.

“Oct. 23, 2011, I was shot in Afghanistan,” said John “I had a long trip back home, I eventually made it back to San Diego; one morning somebody from Semper Fi Fund walks into the hospital room.”

Helping him through one of his most difficult times.

“Fast forward to 2015, I was having a hard time,” said John. “I got out of the military and I struggled a lot with depression and just socializing and just getting back into society.”

The struggles he faced led to dedicating his life to helping others.

“This race for me was kind of like a reset for me,” said John “I wanted to come back to where I was before I joined the military, I wanted to socialize more, I wanted to be more active in my community.”

Back in 2016, John started for the Semper Fi Fund with a goal of $2,000.

He has now raised nearly $20,000.

“From that one , it’s completely changed my whole life,” said John.

With a passion for helping other veterans, John got on his bike again this year.

“Family, the wife, his brothers and sisters are very proud of him for what he’s done and it’s just amazing that he’s done all of this,” said his dad Paul. “He’s just truly blessed.”

“Not only am I helping myself but these veterans they need help and I want to help them,” said John. “They’re my brothers, I love them all.”

Click  to donate to his fundraiser.

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