The Travis Mills Foundation is excited to bring its signature 5k to Vassar, Michigan! On May 23, 2020, join the Travis Mills Foundation and SSG Travis Mills in Vassar, Michigan, for the Miles for Mills 5k – Presented by Team One Credit Union!
Travis’s Story
Retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne is a recalibrated warrior, motivational speaker, actor, author and an advocate for veterans and amputees. Travis’s New York Times bestselling memoir, Tough as They Come, is currently on sale in bookstores and online. Despite losing portions of both arms and legs from an IED (improvised explosive device) while on active duty in Afghanistan, Travis continues to overcome life’s challenges, breaking physical barriers and defying odds. Travis lives by his motto: Never Give Up, Never Quit.
On April 10, 2012, United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an IED while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries.
Thanks to his amazing strength, courage, an incredible will to live, the heroic actions of the men in his unit, the prayers of thousands, and all the healthcare providers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, near Washington D.C., Travis remains on the road to recovery. Every day is a battle, but Travis continues to astound friends and family alike with his progress and with his amazing spirit.
History of Miles for Mills
Miles for Mills 2019 hosted in Downtown Augusta, Maine!
The first-ever Miles for Mills was held on May 28, 2012, at the Cony High School track in Augusta, Maine. The event which had roughly 200 participants in the first year continued to grow year after year. This has become an annual event for the Travis Mills Foundation since we began in 2012. From 2012- 2015 participant numbers grew every year. In 2017 we decided to take the next step in creating an even better race and brought in a timing company so people could see their race times. From 2017 on, we have been tracking all of our event data and want to share the growth of this event with you!
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In 2017 we had 555 participants and raised over $30,000.
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In 2018 we had 1,200 participants and raised over $80,000.
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In 2019 we had 1,600 participants and raised over $180,000
Over those three years alone, fundraising helped bring over 80 recalibrated veteran families to the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat. We hope to continue growing this event every year and we are looking forward to making this our biggest year to date!
Why Michigan?
Michigan was the right fit for us in every way imaginable. First, Travis is from Vassar, Michigan, and he is excited to head back to his hometown! Second, he saw how much support he received from the community after he got injured and wanted to bring the same celebration that we have in Maine to Michigan. We look forward to seeing new and familiar faces this year in Michigan!