TWG and AWP worked together to raise over $50,000 in the last year as they continue their fight for veteran suicide prevention.
Aboard the Defender, the team got off to a great start in rough conditions thanks to the strategic leadership of crewmember Michael Shea and flawless coordination from LTG David Fridovich (AWP Board Member) and Peggy Hersam. Skipper Martha Kristian, with Peggy sharing helm duties, brilliantly sailed The Defender to a division win and finishing 2nd overall in the non-spinnaker group (7th overall in the race). This marks the team’s second major victory in four years—a tremendous achievement that speaks to the experience and dedication of the crew.
In addition to the team’s success on the water, Martha and Chris Kristian were also honored with the Howard K. Penn Spirit Award, which is presented to participants who best embody the “Figawi Spirit”—sportsmanship, community engagement, and outstanding conduct both on and off the course. Martha and Chris were recognized not only for competence in sailing, but also for their charitable work, including unwavering support for AWP. Chris stated that, “It was a deeply meaningful and emotional honor for us, but the crew, current and past, made a lot of it possible.”
The Defender Crewmembers included:
- Martha Kristian – Skipper
- Peggy Hersam – Helm, Trimmer
- Michael Shea – Strategist/Navigator
- Michael Kaye – Foredeck
- LTG David Fridovich (Ret.) – Start Coordinator
- Chris Kristian – Rail
- David Partner – Morale Officer
- Bobbi Scroggin (unable to attend due to illness)
- Land support crew: Cindy Ferguson, Jack Kristian, Kathy Fridovich, Lisa Murphy, Lucy Partner, and Gary Terry.
About America’s Warrior Partnership
America’s Warrior Partnership is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with communities to prevent veteran suicide. They connect local veteran-serving organizations with the appropriate resources, services, and partners to support veterans, their families, and caregivers at every stage of life. Their goal is to improve veterans’ quality of life and end veteran suicide by empowering local communities to serve them proactively and holistically before a crisis occurs.
Learn more at americaswarriorpartnership.org or @AWPartnership.
About The Westport Group
The Westport Group’s proprietary insurance coverage empowers companies to offer top talent a greater amount of protection from the financial challenges of an unexpected disability. As an innovator and industry leader, TWG serves their clients with bespoke products, intuitive service, and unwavering integrity. TWG is a veteran-operated business and proud supporter of America’s Warrior Partnership and the Figawi Charities. If you’d like to help us make a difference, we welcome you to donate today.
