OSO News

Miss GEICO Powerboat Race Team Lifts Veterans’ Heart and Hopes at Long Island VA Hospital

OPA’s Patchogue Battle on the Bay a Race full of Wins for Miss GEICO, the Sport’s Preeminent Race Team

Patchogue Long Island, NY - (Aug. 24-26, 2007) – Miss GEICO woke up the crowd at last weekend’s OPA produced “Battle on the Bay” powerboat races in Patchogue, Long Island, New York. With super speed and unparalleled performance, this team to watch took all the risks and reaped racers’ rewards in more ways than one. “We had a great weekend,” said Scotty Begovich, throttleman for the champion team, “It was an awesome event. The racing was sweet and the time we got to spend with veterans at the VA hospital there was touching.”

Begovich, along with other members of the esteemed Miss GEICO crew, reached out to those who may otherwise have not found their way to the weekend’s excitement with a trip on Friday to the Veterans Administration Medical Center in neighboring North Port. “Whenever we have the opportunity, we salute our soldiers – both past and present,” said Marc Granet, driver for the Miss GEICO team. He said Miss GEICO’s outreach to the nation’s veterans is an honor that is a perfect match for his team. “The personal sacrifices they’ve made for the principals, ideals and defense of our country are an amazing testament of courage and courage and victory are what our team is all about.”

Forever mindful of the sacrifice made by those who serve, AMF Offshore has visited other VA hospitals during its 2007 season, dedicating its winning racing action to the United States Armed Forces and kicking off race weekends with a bit of service before the festivities fall into full gear. This outreach spans the Eastern shore and includes stops at acute care facilities such as the Gulf Coast VA Hospital in Biloxi. “In this tumultuous time, it is our pleasure to bring the joy of racing to the distinguished service men and women of our country,” said John Haggin, Owner and Founder of AMF Offshore Racing. “Like the veterans and current soldiers we salute, we are a winning team ready and able to do what it takes to be the best. We look forward to giving back with real encouragement and sharing our pride in their great work. We can’t think of a better way to acknowledge their commitment to win than with evidence of ours.”

Miss GEICO’s 2007 season continues with races throughout November. Mark your calendar for September’s action: Sept. 7-9 in Point Pleasant, NJ; Sept. 21-23 in Cambridge, MD and Sept. 28-30 in Lake of the Ozarks. For a full schedule listing and race results, please go to www.missgeicoracing.com

About Northport VA Medical Center
Northport VA Medical Center (VAMC), located at 79 Middleville Road in Northport, NY, is part of the New York/New Jersey Veterans Integrated Service Network #3. Affiliated with the State University of New York Medical School at Stony Brook, Northport VAMC offers quality medical, surgical, psychiatric, rehabilitative and skilled nursing care to Long Island veterans. With highly qualified and experienced healthcare professionals, state-of-the-art technology, a full range of services, and high ratings with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and other respected accrediting health care organizations, Northport VA Medical Center has a reputation for providing superior healthcare to Long Island's veterans.