Wounded Marine honored with 'Heroes Run'
Cpl. Nick Kimmel, a Moses Lake High School graduate, lost both legs and an arm during his second tour in Afghanistan.
MOSES LAKE - A fundraiser is being held for a Moses Lake High School graduate who was gravely injured while on his second tour of duty as a Marine in Afghanistan.
Cpl. Nick Kimmel, 21, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2008.
This past December he was helping build a guard post in his role as a combat engineer when he reportedly stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device, resulting in the loss of both legs and an arm. This is according to Arizona State University's Sun Devil Athletics website, which reported Kimmel's recent involvement throwing out the first pitch at an ASU baseball game.
Since his injury, Kimmel has been rehabilitating at the Naval Regional Medical Center in San Diego. To help with his medical expenses and a planned move back to Moses Lake, local American Legion Post 209 is holding a "Heroes Run" motorcycle ride on Saturday, starting out from the Moses Lake Legion Hall, 538 W Broadway Ave.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. - $20 per person - with kickstands up at 11 a.m., according to event organizers.
The run will visit Ephrata, Quincy and Mardon before ending at Moses Lake Moose Lodge, 417 W Broadway Ave., where a barbecue, music and dancing will take place.
Organizers said proceeds from the event will also help Kimmel's family travel from their Moses Lake home to visit him and assist in his rehabilitation. Some of the money might also be set aside to help renovate Kimmel's Moses Lake residence for easier access upon his return to the area.
For more information call 509-361-9201.