All in Support of United Way of Long Island’s Veterans Programs
Lindenhurst resident Nicholas Chester and U.S. Navy veteran has crossed the finish line in the TCS NYC Marathon and raised over $2,600 for United Way of Long Island’s veterans programs. The nonprofit was named an Official Charity Partner of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon, which took place on Sunday, November 7, 2021.
Theresa A. Regnante, President & CEO of United Way of Long Island said this was the sixth year the not-for profit has been invited to join the race under Team Mission United. “United Way of Long Island is pleased once again to be named an official charity partner of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon. We cheered on Nicholas and all of the members of Team Mission United on their journey to the iconic finish line as they raised important funds to benefit Long Island veterans.”
Nicholas was encouraged to join Team Mission United by his employer and United Way sponsor National Grid. “We are honored to back Nicholas, as well as his team member and fellow employee Bryan Gray, also a U.S. Army veteran, for their tremendous efforts in support of fellow military members who have served our country,” said John Brucker, COO of Electric for NY of National Grid and United Way of Long Island Board member. He added, “We couldn’t be prouder.”
United Way’s Team Mission United is a dedicated group of athletes who run for the over 95,000 veterans and military families on Long Island. Mission United is a critical initiative of United Way of Long Island that focuses on supporting veterans’ services. This includes the areas of employment readiness & training, emergency financial assistance, case management and housing development.
The 2021 Team Mission United runners collectively have raised over $31,000 for United Way of Long Island’s veterans programs. Leading sponsors include: AARP, BottomLine Technologies, Hiram Cohen & Sons Insurance, National Grid, New York Community Bank Foundation and Royal Star Associates. To help Nicholas and his teammates continue their fundraising efforts visit: www.unitedwayli.org/teammissionunited
Nicholas Chester, Team Mission United Runner
After sailing in the Merchant Marine and spending eight years in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Nick enthusiastically joined United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United with the goal of running 26.2 miles in the NYC Marathon, and at the same time raising funds for veterans.
A Lindenhurst native, Nick attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy before sailing on commercial oil tankers for six years. Though he wasn’t active duty, he supported the troops by delivering tanks and MRAPS to U.S. forces in Kuwait. As Nick trained for the New York City Marathon, he was fueled by a desire to help others who have served.
“A lot of really close friends of mine are either active duty or veterans, so it’s definitely close to the chest for me,” Nick said. “Veterans give up so much for our freedoms, so I’m just giving back to a community that has given so much to us. I know COVID-19 has been especially hard on them over the past year, so I’m hoping that my efforts can help out.”
Nick was a competitive swimmer growing up, but when his aspirations began stretching beyond the pool about 10 years ago, he discovered triathlons. He’s since completed four Half Ironman Triathlons and one Ironman Triathlon, and he’s training for a second this fall. One full Ironman race consists of a 2.4-mile swim followed by a 112-mile bicycle ride and 26.2-mile run, all completed in the same day.
As a Principal System Operating Procedure Coordinator at National Grid, staying active helps Nick keep busy while he isn’t at the office. He’s also currently working towards a Master of Business Administration degree at SUNY Oswego. Training for Ironman Triathlons and the New York City Marathon provides Nick a goal-oriented mission in life, similar to the time he spent as a Merchant Marine and in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
In past years, Nick has been a spectator at the New York City Marathon multiple times. He’s was excited not only to be on the other side of the barricades this fall, but to run for a cause that has shaped his life.
Photo Caption:
United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United member Nicholas Chester (left), U.S. Navy veteran prepares to run 26.2 miles in the TCS NYC Marathon along with fellow National Grid colleague Bryan Gray, U.S Army veteran. The team of 10 athletes raised over $31,000 in support of United Way’s veterans programs and services.