Moody pararescuer rides for charity

VALDOSTA �" Mitch Braddock doesn't consider himself an adrenaline junkie.
Yes, he's sky dived into places like Yankee Stadium, been shot at while trying to rescue soldiers in war zones and spends his free time racing motocross bikes.
But really, Braddock just considers it part of his duty to his country.
The sergeant at Moody Air Force Base has served as a pararescueman for 19 years. He's been assigned to operational rescue squadrons, special tactics squadrons and training squadrons. He is currently signed to an operational rescue team and will be shipped back overseas for another tour of duty in August.
Before Braddock goes, though, he wants to do something through sport to help out military families who have been through tragedies.
On Friday in Dade City, Fla., Braddock will be part of a four-five man team that will race motocross bikes for 12 straight hours to help raise money for the “That Others May Live Foundation.”
The TOML foundation provides post-secondary education tuition assistance, business start-up assistance and mentoring, or first-time home purchase assistance to the children of men and women killed during training, civil peacetime missions or combat missions while serving in an Air Force rescue unit.
“There's no other foundation out there that's taking care of the kids,” Braddock said. “I have two kids of my own now, so it kind of touches base with me. A couple of my friends kids are getting money from this because they died. I needed something to do, and it seemed like something I wanted to do.”
Nine or 10 teams will compete at the event in Dade City on Friday. It will start at 9 a.m. and last until 9 p.m.         Braddock has been asking for donations in either a lump sum or per lap. He is shooting for a total of 200 laps.
“It's a starting point. I have no scope of reference,” Braddock said. “I'd like to do this for the next 10 years. That's my goal. We'll see how this goes.”
Braddock originally wanted to raise money by riding by himself for 24 hours. Randy Yoho from the Dade City Raceway came up with the idea of a four-five rider relay team. The goal is to raise awareness for TOML and raise funds for children of fallen rescue heroes. Teams entered for $500 and the winnings team will be the one that runs the most laps.
The Dade City Raceway is having a big event on Saturday, and Yoho has made it a Military Appreciation event where all military personnel get in free. At halftime of Saturday's race, a check will be present to TOML with the money raised from Friday's 12 hour relay race and silent auction.
“They're blowing it out of the water down there,” Braddock said. “Live media is going to be there, radio stations are broadcasting, it's crazy. It's pretty cool.”
Braddock is on a military team that is bringing a helicopter to display. The man who's loved riding motorcycles since he was little is relishing a chance to get back on the bike.
“I've ridden a couple times this year,” Braddock said. “I just got a new bike, and I haven't ridden it as much as I want to.”
Braddock says response to the event has been good, but he's a bit disappointed in the response from the major manufactures who he contacted about being sponsors.
However, he's hoping as the event builds over the years and he has something to show the big manufactures, they will want to join.
To learn more about TOML or to donate, visit www.thatothersmaylive.org or www.firstgiving.com.
TOML will hold a golf tournament to raise money on Sept. 10 at Stone Creek.