We have been hosting the Marines Helping Marines Fishing Tournament for Wounded Warriors for seven years.  Through the program we have been some incredible heroes who continuously surprise us by always wanting to give back.

One of our first warriors, Sergeant Major Paul Wilcock recently won a week-long stay at a resort in Hawaii.  Paul, a good friend of mine, has decided to give it to a warrior who could put the vacation to better use.  

We met Daniel Craft several years ago while he was rehabilitating.  He and his father have fished our event and his family has been extremely supportive.  Several weeks ago Daniel reached out and helped a fellow warrior whom he had never met, just because.  

As a result of his family's generosity and continued support we would like to help get Daniel, his wife, and their 7-month old son to Hawaii for some rest and relaxation.  Below is a little more info on Daniel.  If you can help contribute for his family's airfare and travel expenses you would be helping us to pay it forward and continue to support these heroes who continue to protect our freedom.

ABOUT LANCE CORPORAL DANIEL CRAFT

My name is Daniel Joseph Craft and I was a Lance Corporal with 2nd battalion 8th marines Echo Company (0331). On May 17th, 2009 I was deployed to Helmand province Afghanistan as part of president Obamas war. On July 2nd, 2009 my company was to be deployed to southern Helmand province Afghanistan in the biggest helicopter operation since Vietnam. Once all of 2/8 Echo company landed we were surrounded by the Taliban and were engaged in an11 hour firefight. This resulted in the loss of a fellow machinegun brother LCpl. Charles Seth Sharp and several other medevacs were made throughout that battle. This was by far the hardest day of my life until July 29, 2009 when it was my turn to be in a direct battle for my life.

 July 29th, 2009 started like any other day as a LCpl. on deployment. What this meant was getting off of an all-night LPOP one hour on one hour off in the middle of a field at a prior IED site attack. Only to stand a bridge post for 4 hours followed by a patrol. The patrol started at COP North some little crappy mud house we had taken over for local villagers. It was surrounded by prior IED sites and a loud as hell Mosque. I was the machine gunner for 3rd squad and our mission was to walk down to where the road split into a Y and set up a car check point. While we were going to check vehicles 2nd squad was going to push a small village and try to flush the fighters out to us. When we arrived at the Y split the Helmond River was adjacent to the road and a small compound was on the opposite banks of the river. We know if we were to be attacked this was where it was going to come from. My team leader asked me to set me M240 up on the road and make sure no cars come towards us while he looked for a better place for me to set up at. No sooner than when I laid in behind my M240 I was opened up on by a Taliban machine gunner who was located at the opposite side of the river less than 60 yards away. I was hit in the first burst in the top of my left foot. It felt as if my foot was in a vice grip and getting hit with a hammer. I started to look for cover instantly. To my left was the river and Taliban forces going this way was not an opinion. To my right on was a long crawl across the dirt road to a small dirt wall. This is where I needed to make it to live. I started screaming “I’m Hit I'm Hit" and made my way towards the dirt wall across the road. Rounds were hitting to my left and my right. About half way across the road I don't know if training or weakness kicked in but I rolled over and waited. I don't know if I was waiting to die or to be lifted out of the field of fire. Two Hero's came to save me Sgt. Delgato and Lcpl. Baddget grabbed me by the plate carrier and through me over that dirt wall. I know at this point I was going to be ok. No the cussing and complaints of all marines kicked in for me. I know just what to do smoke, scream and just be pissed. The top of my left foot was shattered cutting 2 tendons along the bullets path. The bullet stayed in my foot till surgery where it was pushed out of my left ankle.