UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture — a former air traffic controller for the U.S. Army 101st Airborne — recently established a nonprofit corporation with his wife, Kim, called, The Xtreme Couture GI Foundation.
According to the Web site, the foundation was formed to raise money and awareness for troops wounded in action and their families.
"The Natural" recently spoke with NBCSports.com about the initiative.
Here's a snip:
"The biggest thing we want to let people know is that it's not a political statement. It's not about the war; it's about the support of those men and women that are stepping up and supporting our country and government by putting their lives on the line. It doesn't really matter what you believe about the war and whether it's right or wrong. You have to commend those guys who are doing their job."
The Xtreme Couture GI Foundation will use donations to implement several programs with the soldiers in mind, including, but not limited to:
Urgent Financial Needs. The Foundation will assist in payments to prevent families from becoming homeless, paying bills for those who could not handle the extra expense of staying near their convalescing soldier, and helping discharged soldiers start their lives back home.
Memorial Day Tribute Event. Saluting the American GI's and honoring our wounded soldiers and their families. This annual event will be a fundraiser for the Foundation.Xtreme Weekend. Wounded soldiers get to spend a weekend of motivation and inspiration with Randy Couture.
Last year, Couture — along with former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin and Octagon vixen Rachelle Leah — traveled to Iraq to meet with troops and also offer up some mixed martial arts tips.
According to the article, he has also visited several military hospitals since the war began to meet with wounded soldiers.
Clearly, Couture is using his status as an MMA fighter and quasi-celebrity status to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
That's not only selfless, but refreshing.
To donate to The Xtreme Couture GI Foundation click here.
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According to FightNetwork.com, Couture will make an appearance at Local Heroes Bar and Grill in Ottawa Ontario this Thursday, May 17, at 9 p.m. to support "Roger's House."
"Roger's House" is a charity home established in the name of former Ottawa Senators Assistant Coach and cancer victim Roger Neilson, which offers acute end-of-life and transitional care to medically and terminally ill children and their families.
Tickets cost $20 — half of which heads right to the charity — and gets you an autographed Randy Couture picture, as well as the chance to win other prizes.
Is there anything this doesn't do?
Local Heroes Bar and Grill is located at 1525 Bank Street.
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