Guard members brave cold waters for special cause

  • Published
  • By Bethany Buckingham
  • Unit Public Affairs Representative
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  For the past seven years, Missouri National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Doug Christie, of Warrensburg, has jumped into the frigid waters of the Lake of the Ozarks.

Why? He is a "polar bear" plunger for the Special Olympics of Missouri.

"Special Olympics does great work for citizens with disabilities," said Christie. "Athletes ages 8-80 can compete in a variety of activities."

This year he has the honor of being the only person from western Missouri invited to participate in the first ever Super Plunge. Ten participants from around the state will plunge 24 times in 24 hours.

"I feel very privileged," he said. "I just hope I can last that long."

On Friday, Feb. 22 at 2:30 pm, Christie will begin his hourly plunge into the icy waters of the Lake of the Ozarks. After completing his last jump on Saturday afternoon, Christie will join his team from the Missouri National Guard's 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion for one final jump.

"We have jumped together for the past four years," said Christie. "We only missed one year because our drill was scheduled the same day as the jump."

Christie is currently trying to collect $5,000 in donations for his super plunge, while his team is trying to beat last year's amount of $2,400.

"Last year we received an award for the largest increase of any team," said Sgt. 1st Class Cameron Beck of the 1st Attack team. The group increased their donation by 1,527 percent, the highest in the state. They plan to exceed their goal again this year.

"I have a personal goal of $700," said Beck. "Last year my goal was $500 and my sister helped me reach it with a generous donation."

As for Christie, he has an incentive for any donors.

"If I receive a large enough donation, I will jump at least once wearing a kilt," he said smiling. He has also offered to wear the shirt of any corporation providing a substantial donation. He does plan to wear a National Guard shirt for any jump not sponsored by a corporation.

If you are interested in donating to Christie or the 1st Attack team there are two ways to make your contribution. You can send a check made payable to SOMO (Special Olympics Missouri) c/o Douglas Christie, 365 SE 11th Rd, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or 1 Attack Avenue, Whiteman Air Force Base Missouri, 65305. You can donate online at http://www.firstgiving.com/douglaschristie1.

If you have any questions or concerns please email christie.douglas@yahoo.com or call 660-624-9597.

The Polar Bear Plunge is the largest fundraiser for the Special Olympics of Missouri. All money raised goes to supporting athletic events and athletes.