Injured Marine Named Grand Marshal of Lake Hopatcong Grand Prix

A U.S. Marine from Jefferson who lost both his legs earlier this year in an explosion in Afghanistan will be the grand marshal—virtually—for the Lake Hopatcong Grand Prix on Sunday.

Sgt. Aaron Alonso will start the annual powerboat race through Skype from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where he continues to recover. Alonso, a Lake Hopatcong native who has been awarded the Purple Heart, will be heard around the lake via livestream.

Alonso, 25, had both of his legs amputated after an improvised explosive device blew up in February while he was on patrol in Nad Ali, Afghanistan.

More than $90,000 has been raised to help pay for Alonso's medical care through a GiveForward page where family members also post updates on his condition.

A percentage of Sunday's race proceeds will be donated to the Alonso family. Donations can also be made at the Lake Forest Yacht Club at 35 Yacht Club Drive at the race pavilion.

For more information, contact Chris Hayden at 973-841-0517 or haydenstowing@embarqmail.com.