Tim Nydegger
Triathlete Biographical Profile
February 2008

It was a slow weekend afternoon during my fourth grade year and I was scanning through the TV channels looking for something to watch. While searching, I stopped at the sight of a man swimming through the ocean while pulling a raft with someone on board.

An hour later the program ended and I learned that this was the story of the Ironman World Championships and of a father’s love for his son. This father pulled and pushed his disabled son through the rigorous 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run that comprises an Ironman Triathlon. I may have been an 11-year old with outrageous dreams, but I knew that slow weekend afternoon that I, too, would one day compete in an Ironman Triathlon.

My name is Tim Nydegger. I’m 26 years old and hail from Spokane, Washington. I have since completed numerous triathlon events of varying distances, including Ironman Coeur ‘d Alene in 2005. I am passionate about training and racing - and embrace the challenge of the swim, bike and run events. It is a true blessing to have both the ability and opportunity to compete in the sport of triathlon.

I have determined to race Ironman Coeur ‘d Alene 2009 (www.IronmanCDA.com) on behalf of our nations troops. I am partnering with the national charity Operation: Quiet Comfort (OQC) in their efforts to raise support for, and meet the needs of, our troops – where ever they serve. One can’t go without recognizing how much of an impact this organization has made in our nation and in the lives of our troops.

Over the course of the next year, I will be preparing my body, mind and spirit for the Ironman Coeur ‘d Alene 2009 event. Sponsorship and fundraising efforts will begin the summer of 2008 and continue until the day before the competition.

Please stay tuned for up and coming information as our fundraising goal is ... (to be continued)

About Operation Quiet Comfort

Who is Operation Quiet Comfort?

OQC entertains no political, ideological or religious views of the war or other conflicts that the United States may be involved in. Your contributions of time, talent and resources help OQC provide meaningful support to our wounded warriors and the amazing medical professionals who care for them. Period.
http://www.operationquietcomfort.com/index.html.

Special Certificates Issued by our Servicemen & Servicewomen
to Operation Quiet Comfort (See below)

Letter and Certificate received October 29, 2007
IRAQ

OFFICE OF THE COMMAND CHAPLAIN
MULTI-NATIONAL CORPS - IRAQ

The certificate (See below) accompanying this citation is to identify and thank you for your contributions and support. Your willingness to provide help will go a long way in making a better life for Iraqi families in need. The Multi-National Corps Chaplain's Office is the coordinating center for items designated to support the "Hearts for Baghdad" project. We work through The Civil Military Operations Center that serves as the outreach focal point here in Baghdad. The Center not only runs a free medical clinic for local Iraqis (mostly women and children), but it also serves as a claim center where local families can be reimbursed for damages due to war, a micro-grant institution designed to help locals begin or re-start a small business, and finally a clothing/food/hygiene distribution center.

Each week Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines gather at the Chaplain's Office. There they load and deliver the supplies and items provided to the Center where they are distributed to those who need them most. Your kindness is appreciated by those who receive your gift and also by the military men and women serving here in Iraq. Your desire to help is perceived as a helping hand and a gesture of support
by our troops who are striving on a daily basis to bring security, justice and peace to this land.

I would like to ask you to please pray for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines serving here in Iraq, that our mission would be successful and that they would be protected while here. Also pray for the people and government of Iraq that they might find success in their quest for a free and secure country.

Please accept this certificate (See below) as a token of deep appreciation and heartlfelt thanks for your generous gifts of love and support.

XXXXXXXX
Chaplain (Colonel), U.S. Army
Multi-National Corps-Iraq Command Chaplain

Letter and Certificate received October 29, 2007
IRAQ

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your continued support of the Soldiers who serve this great nation of ours. Obviously you understand the impact that your kindness and support has on every one of the soldiers stationed here. It has been a privilege to give Soldiers and DoD civilians your "GO Bags" when they are being evacuated, and many of them are at a loss for words to think that someone cares enough to send them something that will add a little more comfort to their lives. Soldiers get evacuated for a lot of reasons, but for a majority who are evacuated for medical reasons, they are already uncertain of what is going to happen to them later on, and that little bit of caring goes a long way.

Believe me, a medical blanket is fine to cover someone with, but a quilt makes a significant difference in their morale. It brings back memories at Grandparents houses, or at the lake, or the Holidays. The quilts mean something different to everyone, but they make a significant difference. Socks and shower shoes are an unbelievable morale builder in the desert environment. It is extremely harsh in this environment, and our socks are shower shoes are some of the first to go bad. Your Soldiers appreciate everything you do for them.

Please accept this Flag (and certificate below) as a way of saying thank you for your continued and unprecedented support of your Soldiers. I call them your Soldiers because we are your servants. We serve you the people of our nation. We serve you with pride and diligence, and we take our responsibilities to our nation very seriously. We swear to protect and defend you against all enemies. Most importantly, when we are buried, this great Flag of ours covers our casket. We can think of no greater honor, then to be buried with our nations colors draped over us.

Take care of yourselves and one another and stay safe. Again, thank you for your continued and caring support.

In your service,

1SG XXXXXXX
"AIRBORNE"