Nutter Run

A Call to Act

Dennis Shanahan | Chairman, SSNO Inc. | sgtsamnutter@gmail.com | January 30, 2012

The New Jersey Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School (OCS) Class 55 is seeking your assistance as they strive to come to the aid of National Guard families in need. OCS Class 55, in memory of Sergeant (SGT) Sam Nutter, will host the 8th Annual SGT Nutter 5K Run

SGT Sam Nutter, a New Jersey Army National Guardsman, passed away seven years ago after a lengthy battle with abdominal cancer, leaving behind a wife and two young children. In an effort to help to provide financial support to SGT Nutter's family and assist in his children's educational future, OCS Class 48 formed a committee dedicated to raising funds to accomplish this worthy goal. They succeeded by putting together a 5K run that raised $15,000 and a golf outing that raised an additional $10,000. The funds have provided tremendous assistance to this family in need. OCS Class 55 has recognized a similar need in four National Guard families this year.

First Sergeant (1SG) Clinton Drummond joined the US Army on January 15, 1986 as a Black Hawk mechanic. After he left the US Army, he joined the NJ Army National Guard as a recruiter and rose through the ranks, giving 25 years of honorable service. After having one son, Clinton Jr., he had the privilege of having his second son, Connor, on February 23, 2010. Conner was born very ill and is suffering from Cerebral Palsy. He requires around-the-clock medical care, and one parent, Katiane, is required to stay home, while 1SG Drummond prepares for retirement with substantial pay cut. This situation creates a major financial hardship.

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Miguel Colondres was born on March 26th, 1975 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and raised there. He joined the Army National Guard in 1993 as Fire Direction Control Operator and progressed through his career, eventually becoming a recruiter. He has 18 years of honorable service. He has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and his health is steadily deteriorating. He is being discharged through the Medical Evaluation Board Process and will be on his own with minimal support for the rest of his life. The Colondres family includes his wife, Jacqueline, their daughter, Monique, and their son, Christopher.

Captain Anthony Trocchio is an Officer Personnel Manager assigned to the Recruiting and Retention Battalion in Fort Dix, NJ. CPT Trocchio was involved in a tragic car accident three years ago that has left him disabled. He has undergone several operations for neural and spine injuries. His wife, Jennifer, has the full-time responsibility of taking care of him and their two children, since he is unable to contribute in any way. Since she is unable to work, they have fallen on hard times and are suffering financially.

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Joseph M. Martin has been dealing with his wife's illness since April 2010. After months of hospital tests and illness, she was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. During this time, SFC Martin's oldest son passed away unexpectedly. SFC Martin's family consists of his wife and two young sons. He is responsible for everyone's care, which include hospital visits with his wife so that she may receive treatment.

OCS Class 55 has selected 1SG Clinton Drummon, SFC Miguel Colondres, SFC Joseph Martin and CPT Anthony Trocchio to be our 2012 Nutter Run Beneficiaries. We are asking for your support in our effort to raise funds for these deserving families. In conjuction with the Nutter Run, there will be an event scheduled at the Sea Girt Army National Guard Training Center. The event will include a barbecue. We are also seeking donations of food (hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, etc.), condiments, snacks, and beverages for the event. As a 501 (c) 3 organization, all donations are fully tax deductible. The SGT Nutter Organization, Inc. (SSNO, Inc.) is a registered, non-profit organization and 100% of proceeds raised are donated to New Jersey Army National Guard families in need.

We hope that you join us in our efforts to support our beneficiaries. Thank you in advance for your support, encouragement and kindness. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Respectfully,


Dennis Shanahan
Chairman, SSNO Inc.
Tax ID: 203-572-972
dennis.shanahan@us.army.mil