The U.S. Military Endurance Sports program, a division of American Servicemembers Amateur Sports Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization chartered to support amateur athletes, endurance sports education and activities for current, retired, and veteran members of the United States Armed Forces. What began in 2009 as an elite cycling team has grown into a thriving multi-sport recreational, club, development, and elite athletic program.
USMES supports cycling, triathlon, running, and adventure racing teams for amateur athletes of all abilities, including special programs for wounded veteran and adaptive athletes. USMES provides athletes incredible opportunities including camps, clinics, focus events, team competitions, and non-competitive gatherings. Additionally, USMES offers members a unique mentoring program helping athletes, regardless of ability, by offering discounted coaching, skill development opportunities, and a growing library of education materials supporting beginner and intermediate athletes. Finally, USMES lowers the cost of athlete participation improving access to competitions and development opportunities through discounts on competition gear, targeted race reimbursement, and limited athlete competition grants.
The mission of USMES is to promote endurance sports as part of a healthy lifestyle to active and Veteran members of America’s Uniformed Services.
On October 10, USMES member Scott Raegen competed in the IRONMAN World Championship‘s in Kona, Hawaii. He completed the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run in 12 hours and 22 minutes, on a tough and hot day in Kona. Raegen, who is an active duty member of the U.S. Navy took some time after the race to share his thoughts on triathlon and USMES.
How did you get started in endurance sports?
I grew up a swimmer and my club swim coach made our squad do the Blue Lake Olympic distance triathlon in Portland, OR, every year. I was the slowest swimmer on our National level training squad, but when you add a bike and run, I was third fastest and so much more competitive overall.
What is your proudest moment in endurance sports?
Breaking 11 hours at IM Wisconsin last year with a 10:59:59. I also have one of the worst finisher photos I have ever seen to prove it!
What is your main goal in endurance sports?
I want to see what I am capable of before I can’t push anymore. I also want to be that “old guy” at the races and pushing the limits in a few decades.
What do you like most about USMES?
Friendships and camaraderie all over the world and the team deals are just the icing on the cake.
Why did you decide to serve your country?
I considered joining for a very long time and when I realized that I never wanted to be older and ask myself, “What if?” When I realized that, I joined that week!
More about USMES Programs
Elite Programs
USMES supports an elite men’s road cycling team; a men’s and women’s para-cycling team; and a men’s and women’s sponsored athlete program that supports athletics that are more individual in nature, including, but not limited to: triathlon, track cycling, mountain biking, women’s road cycling and running. Each program has a slightly different target candidate pool and focus based on the nature of the sport. The primary focus of the elite programs is to support top amateur athlete development; as such, selection to the Elite programs is highly competitive, and athletes must meet minimum requirements and adhere to professionalism standards throughout the season. The application window typically opens in September and teams are announced in November.
Club Programs
USMES supports a robust club program for cyclists, triathletes, runners, adventure racers and wounded veteran/adaptive athletes. This year-round club program is open to all abilities and is focused on helping athletes set and meet goals, improve health, fitness, and resiliency. Club athletes are supported by their team managers (Cycling, Triathlon, Running, Adventure Racing, and Wounded Veteran/Adaptive) and through our geographically based Regional Coordinators (RCs). Club members receive access to great deals and discounts, education programs, and community building opportunities.
Wounded Veterans an Adaptive Athlete Programs
The Wounded Veteran and Adaptive athletes in USMES can be either Elite or Club athletes. Within the Club Program, USMES provides additional support to wounded veteran athletes that may have specific equipment/logistical needs and/or mentorship and coaching requirements. In 2015, USMES hosted four skill development camps for wounded veteran cyclists in San Diego, Tucson, Washington DC, and Colorado Springs.
For more information on USMES and its programs please visit http://usmes.org
