Gators spread goodwill last spring as part of the 11th annual International Gator Day.

Asterisk denotes UF Alumni Association Member

Some came in wheelchairs. Others donned artificial legs or braces. All were beaming with smiles and anticipation. These Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans were set to compete in the second annual Wounded Warrior Mini-Try-Athlon in San Antonio.

Designed to challenge wounded servicemen and women recovering from major injuries sustained during active duty, the event marked a milestone for each participant in his or her process of adapting to life after injury. Family members and friends weren't the only ones cheering for the veterans, however. More than 50 members of the Alamo City Gator Club® were there to offer encouragement and assistance to participants, and to help run the race.

The club's efforts were its contribution to International Gator Day, an annual event organized by the UF Alumni Association to spread Gator spirit around the world. Chaired this year by Danny Wuerffel (BSPR '96), about 65 clubs participated on May 16 by hosting various forms of community service projects in their areas.

U.S. Air Force Ret. Maj. Ray McHale* (BSPE '70), president of the Alamo City Gator Club, says San Antonio Gators were honored to take part. His members helped transport, escort and assist the veterans at transition points along the course. This year the race hosted 110 participants from several military bases.

"This event is both a physical and mental challenge, and helps the wounded warriors change their mindset from what they can't do — because of their injuries — to what they can do despite them," McHale says.

Wuerffel, who works with Desire Street Ministries based in Atlanta, says it's events like this that show the breadth and depth of The Gator Nation.

"While we share a common bond of being part of the University of Florida family, we share an even greater commitment to the betterment of society," he says.

Among the numerous projects undertaken by Gator Clubs this year, some included blood drives, animal shelter volunteer projects, Habitat for Humanity home-building projects, collecting litter or canned food, cleaning parks or beaches, care package preparation for troops overseas, preparations for sea turtle nesting season and car washes.

Visit www.ufalumni.ufl.edu/gatorclubs to see a list of clubs that participated. To find a Gator Club near you, contact Virginia Horton at 352-392-9597 or vhorton@ufalumni.ufl.edu.