Sep 9, 2009: SAN JOSE, CA — Shawn Stingley is on a mission. In just 44 days, Shawn will cycle 5,968 miles around Crissy Field in San Francisco, roughly twice the miles across the United States, to show his support of our troops. One mile for every U.S. and Coalition troops who has died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Shawn’s mission is not politically motivated. His goal is to raise funds during his grueling journey, to support two non profit organizations that support the troops- Operation: Care and Comfort and Strikeouts For Troops.™

Shawn’s idea started with a couple of coincidence. “I celebrated my 44th birthday this year, we inaugurated our 44th President, and I felt the time was right for me to do what I could to show my support for our troops” said Stingley. “Choosing the right organizations to benefit from this was easy. Operation: Care and Comfort supports deployed troops with care packages, and also helps local military families, and Strikeouts For Troops benefits wounded troops and their families. The fact that they are both based in the San Francisco Bay area is a plus” continued Stingley.

Shawn’s ride started August 18th, and on September 9th, he had logged 1,705 miles, with 4,263 to go. Shawn is keeping a blog so supporters may follow his progress. Cyclists are welcome to join Shawn’s effort, and their miles will also be tracked on his web site, www.cyclingforthetroops.org. Donations may also be made through the web site, and all proceeds will be split between the two organizations.

“Shawn’s mission is an inspiration to all those who want to do something to support our troops, in their own special way. I always say that there are three “T’s to giving- time, talent and treasure. Shawn is using all three to show his support, and we are so grateful” stated Julie DeMaria, co-founder of Operation: Care and Comfort. “Shawn act exemplifies “Deeds, not Words!”

‘I am touched by Shawn’s wonderful idea and his commitment to raise funds to help our wounded troops and their families, said Giants pitcher, Barry Zito, founder of Strikeouts For Troops. I look forward to having Shawn and his family be my guest at an upcoming Giants game so I can personally thank him for his effort.”

Stingley’s target end is September 30th. He plans to celebrate his completion by attending a San Francisco Giants game with supporters of Operation: Care and Comfort and military families. A perfect end, and hopefully, San Francisco Giants pitcher Barry Zito, founder of Strikouts For Troops, will be on the mound that evening. For more information on Shawn Stingley and his mission, please visit www.cyclingforthetroops.org.

About Operation: Care and Comfort: Since April 2003, the all-volunteer Operation: Care and Comfort program, unique to the Silicon Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, has shipped over 250 tons of care packages for distribution to Marine, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard personnel deployed in conflict regions. Adopted military units receive care packages monthly, until they return home. Operation: Care and Comfort is a member of the Department of Defense “America Supports You” program, and has received national awards and recognition for its work on behalf of the military. For more information on how you can support this worthy program, please visit www.operationcareandcomfort.org.

About Strikeouts For Troops™ Strikeouts For Troops is a national nonprofit dedicated to help our U.S. wounded service members and their families with “comforts of home” while working to lift the spirits and morale of our those recovering from injuries at military hospitals nationwide. Strikeouts For Troops was introduced on April 5, 2005 by San Francisco Giants pitcher Barry Zito following a visit with troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Today with the support of over 70 professional baseball players including CC Sabathia, Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher (New York Yankees), Jake Peavy (Chicago White Sox), Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals) and Manny Ramirez (Los Angeles Dodgers), special events and corporate partnerships, Strikeouts For Troops has raised nearly $2 million with 100% of every dollar raised being distributed. Strikeouts For Troops is a 501(c)(3) donor advised fund based at the Community Foundation For The National Capital Region.

www.strikeoutsfortroops.org