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| Matt Brannagan- 2013 Marathon |
Matt
Brannagan and I met in 2003 as a result of his request to host The
Samurai Game® for me to facilitate in the Sierra Foothills - this for a
men's group he was part of. Shortly thereafter he deployed for military
service in Iraq as a member of the National Guard. He was part of an
infantry unit responsible for improvised explosive device (IED)
detection and removal. We stayed in touch throughout his deployment; and
immediately on his return we met for breakfast in Fairfield,
California. He said he wanted to support the work I'm doing and offered
to help me create a monthly e-newsletter and a blog site. Everything
provided here at The Ronin Post, has been brought to you over the years
by Matt Brannagan.
Before
he deployed Matt had been studying for his Masters Degree in
Psychology. He continued his study while deployed and completed his
degree when he returned. He is now as Ph.D. candidate. Seeking to
understand and better himself he entered a powerful program, The Hoffman
Process ... and subsequently decided to undertake the long trek to
become a facilitator of the Process, able to deliver for The Hoffman
Institute. The long trek, well undertaken and completed, now has him
actively delivering the Process.
Matt
is married and lives in North Hollywood, California. He is a quiet man.
He is certified to facilitate The Samurai Game®, and will be
delivering one soon in New York City. He recently agreed to become an
Allied Ronin Associate - though in actuality he truly has always been
one. He understands integrity, service and commitment to his core. He
remains a member of the Army National Guard, donning his uniform
periodically throughout each year, and is now an E-8 First Sergeant of
an Infantry Headquarters Company.
Last
year Matt ran a marathon in support of Hoffman Institute's
youth-at-risk programs. This year he is running a half marathon (along
with a team) for the same purpose. I want to support him in that, and I ask you to contribute financially here to his efforts. This month's issue of The Ronin Post is dedicated to Matt's appeal. Read on -
It
has been a year now since I ran my first marathon, raising over $10,000
for the Hoffman Institute's Youth Programs. The money raised last year
helped to allow 20 at-risk youth and mentors from New York, San Jose,
and Phoenix to come together for a wonderful week of healing and growth.
Additionally it helped support the training of an additional
facilitator who will enable the training to grow in the future, reaching
even more teens.
This
year, I have set a new goal. I am running a half-marathon in Marin
County to raise money for three great initiatives: 1) Hoffman Youth
Programs, 2) Hoffman Teacher Training, and 3) Hoffman Scholarship Fund.
The
great news is that I have a team of runners and walkers joining me for
the half-marathon, 5K or 10K. If you are interested in joining the team
let me know, and I will help you get registered.
The
three initiatives I am raising money for are ones I have benefited
greatly from. Over the past 4 years I have worked very closely in the
development and delivery of a variety of programs which have helped
dozens of teens and mentors to cultivate the tools necessary to overcome
the difficulties of issues such as inner city violence, gangs, teen
parenthood, incarceration and to improve overall academic success.
I
wouldn't have had that opportunity had I not been afforded to
participate in an amazing teacher program that allowed me to grow as a
facilitator for both adults and youth. Additionally, I likely never
would have participated in the process myself had I not been the
recipient of a generous scholarship.
I
am very proud to be involved with such a great organization, but as a
501(c)3 organization we rely on the generosity of donors to grow and
make an impact on even more teens. Please follow the link here if you would like to contribute, or help me spread the word about this effort (feel free to forward at will).
© Lance Giroux, March 2014
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