West Pointer Races Through Mud To Help Vets

STAMFORD, Conn. – Michael Gallegos, a junior at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, is training to become a soldier. The Stamford resident will give back to the soldiers that came before him by fundraising for the Wounded Warriors Project through his participation in the World’s Toughest Mudder contest on Dec. 18.

“Some cannot hear their spouse’s voice, other cannot see their children age. Some cannot run without the assistance of mechanical limbs. Some cannot move at all,” Gallegos said of some veterans and why he will participate in the 24-hour mud-filled challenge.

A standard Tough Mudder competition is nearly 10 miles long and consists of various obstacles such as climbing over cargo nets and walking through fire. Most last about two-and-one-half hours, an event website said.

The World’s Toughest Mudder makes each participant complete the standard course as many times as they can in a 24-hour span. Only the top 5 percent of finishers in the regular events qualify for the Toughest Mudder, the website said. The Stamford resident hopes to complete the course six times.

Gallegos became interested in military life as a student at Westhill High School when he joined the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. He credits the school with motivating him to pursue West Point and a future in the military.

“I have sacrificed a traditional college life in hopes of becoming something greater that what I thought I was. I believe in doing things for more than myself, and never less than my best,” Gallegos said of his life goals.

The Wounded Warrior Project works to raise awareness and gain help from the public for veterans injured while serving the country, the organization’s website said. As of Friday, Tough Mudder has raised more than $2.1 million for the project.

Gallegos put up $450 to enter and hopes to raise $2,000 by the time the competition takes place. He appreciates any donation made. “I only ask that what is given is what the heart has inspired to give.”

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