Coast Guard member racing for Fallen Heroes
by Rus Graham 9 Nov 2018 12:46 UTC
The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that Duane Zitta, an officer in the Coast Guard, is competing in 15 ultra-endurance events around Hawaii during his off time to raise awareness for the Coast Guard Foundation Fallen Heroes Fund.
Providing emergency assistance to the families, friends and shipmates of Coast Guard heroes who died in the line of duty, the Fund also supports the ongoing needs of the families of the fallen heroes, including the cost of college for their children. To date, Zitta has raised over $10,000 towards his goal of $15,000.
"We are grateful for Duane's effort and are inspired by his drive to compete at this level in honor of the Coast Guard's fallen heroes and their families," said Susan Ludwig, president, Coast Guard Foundation. "There are so many who have sacrificed tremendously for this country and who need our support. We thank all those who donate to and raise awareness for our Fallen Heroes Fund."
Zitta is a 15-year veteran of the Coast Guard and throughout his career he has displayed his athletic talents by representing the service around the country in ultra-marathons, ultra-long distance swims and ultra-triathlons finishing on numerous podiums as well as being selected as the 2017 Coast Guard Male Elite Athlete of The Year Runner Up.
To support Lieutenant Zitta's efforts, you may visit coastguardfoundation.org/racesforheroes. To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation, or to help support its work, please visit www.coastguardfoundation.org or call (860) 535-0786.