Since I last posted anything on this account, I joined a service group at my school called Operation S.P.L.A.T.  Our main objective is to be able to hold a big fundraising event at the Hollywood Sports Park in January 2014 as well as a few minor events leading up to it.  Along the way, we hope to inspire other and raise awareness about what we are doing.

The last time I met with these friends to work on this project, we got a chance to interview a veteran from the Iraq war called Michael Schlitz.  His vehicle was blown up by a mine, killing all the others in the vehicle with him and leaving him burning alive.  Both of his hands had to be amputated and most of his skin replaced.  In our interview, he recounts his thoughts as he was burning, his experience with being saved, how he continued to lead before he received treatment for his burns, and much more.  He told us his haunting and gruesome story in such a strong yet lighthearted way it was hard not to be totally touched and inspired by it.  It was a strong reminder of why we started our fundraiser operation in the first place.

Well, after we got the interview audio recorded and editted, my friend Emily Shimano has been working on putting up a digital story to go with it.  Finally, the first part of the interview is up.

[link]

Stay tuned for more of the interview.

Here's our blog.  [link]