Blueclaws & Bikes

New Jersey baseball fans were in for a treat at the June 14 Lakewood Blueclaws game.  SGT Jason Simms Sr. received a handcycle as part of the game’s events, gifted by the Lt. Dennis Zilinski Foundation Memorial Fund. 

Jason served in the Marine Corps for 9 years as a member of the 2^nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Delta Company.  After being stationed in Hawaii, Okinawa, Japan, California, and North Carolina, Jason deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in February of 2004. He was assigned as a gunner and partook in numerous combat patrols.  An extremely dedicated Marine, he received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a Combat “V” for Valor during this time.

On July 1, 2004, Jason’s platoon set out on a routine patrol. However, this round turned out to be far from routine. Jason was hit by an IED and suffered severe burns to his hands, face, and head, while also enduring shrapnel and bullet wounds that severed all tendons and arteries in his right leg.  He has since had 23 surgeries throughout his recovery process.  Medically retired from the Marines in April of 2008, Jason now works for the Department of the Navy within the Wounded Warrior Program, helping to place wounded in federal jobs following their time in the service.

Returning to an active lifestyle, Jason could greatly benefit from a handcycle – Team Hope For The Warriors® willingly accepted to fulfill the need.  Team Hope For The Warriors® and the Lt. Dennis Zilinski Memorial Fund partnered in coordinating the construction and funding of the Freedom Ryder handcycle, which was then presented to Jason at the Blueclaws game.  A ceremony was held before the game to recognize Jason, who was then honored to throw the first pitch. Jason’s wife, Alana, and son, Dylan, joined him for the event.

Jason, Alana, and Dylan

Jason’s awards include:

Purple Heart

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V”

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Combat Action Ribbon  

Navy Unit Citation

Meritorious Unit Citation

Good Conduct Medal 

National Defense Medal

Iraqi Campaign Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

3 Sea Service Deployment Ribbons

4 Certificates of Commendation

2 Meritorious Mast’s

Marine of the Quarter in 1998 and 1999

 

Team Hope For The Warriors® is honored to touch such a deserving Marine! Thank you SGT Jason Simms Sr. for your service.