The following letter was sent from, Jake Miter, son of Troy Battalion Chief Tom Miter and brother of Troy firefighters Justin and Jeremy Miter. Jake is a member of the USA Skeleton Team and competing for a spot in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Dear Fire Fighters of New York State,
For those who I have not had the opportunity to meet over the past few years, my name is Jake Miter, son of Troy Battalion Chief Tom Miter and brother of Troy firefighters Justin and Jeremy Miter. I am a member of the USA Skeleton Team and competing for a spot in the 2018 Winter Olympics. This is a self-funded sport and over the past year I have asked many of you for support.
Thanks to contributions from several Locals, I was able to purchase a new sled in 2014 which has paid dividends during competition. Last season I was able to race internationally for the first time and finished the season ranked within the top 100 in the world. This season I plan to continue moving up the ranks and could once again use some support.
Before I explain what I need, I will answer the question of why you should support me. As I have stated in the past, I deserve nobody’s financial support. What I do is fun and I understood the cost before I made a commitment to the sport. That being said, my odds of becoming the best in the world are a lot higher if I have financial backing. I do work full time in the offseason and part time during the season to cover most of the costs but usually come up a little short.
I could write a thousand letters to corporations and probably get a little funding but that doesn’t sit well with me. I am proud to represent firefighters, there is not another group of people that I want to slide for.
What I Need this Season:
If your Local supports me, I want you to know exactly what you paid for. I will list a handful of my expenses below and allow you to choose what cost you would like to cover if you wish to offer support.
Skeleton spikes (shoes): $400 (2 pairs needed)
Runners (steel skis that contact the ice): $600 (2 pairs needed)
Domestic Flight: $200 (4 needed)
International Flight: $800 (2 needed)
Baggage Fees: $100 (6 needed)
Race Housing: $500 (4 needed)
Race Week Food: $100 (4 needed)
Race locations will be determined after US Team Trials (Oct 26th-Nov 6th) but I will let donors know which race they are covering the cost of. I will also let the owners of runners know when their runners were used so you can see the impact you are having on results. If you are able to cover the cost of equipment (Spikes and runners), I would be happy to bring them to you to keep in your union hall once they are no longer usable.
How to Donate:
Send a check to:
Jake Miter
43 The Commons Way
Apt 13
Lake Placid, NY 12946
USA Bobsled & Skeleton Athlete Training Fund (501C):
(Please contact me prior to sending a donation to USABS to ensure it does not end up in a general fund)
http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Bobsled-Skeleton-Federation/Resources/For-Athletes/Athlete-Training-Fund
PayPal:
Please also send a window decal to be placed on my sled!
Again, I understand this is not something all locals want or can take part in, and I certainly do not hold grudges towards those who do not wish to offer anything. Thank you for taking the time to hear me out.
Jake Miter
518-669-0729
JakeMiterUSA@gmail.com