It may be hard to believe anyone in their right mind would voluntarily decide to take a dip in Maryland's frosty January waters, let alone pay to do so.


But every year for the past 17 years, thousands of sane people do exactly that. This year, two brave Soldiers from the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade and their families were enticed to join the crowd.

The annual event that has become a winter-time tradition is the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge, held this year on Jan. 26 at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis.

For $50 in pledges, participants plunged into the 35-degree waters of the Chesapeake Bay to raise money for Special Olympics Maryland. The organization offers year-round sport training and competition to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge was established in 1997 when approximately 350 participants first plunged into the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay and raised $75,000 that year.

As of 2012, approximately 72,000 people have taken the plunge over the years and raised more than $20 million.

"Our numbers for 2013 so far are 13,000 Plungers and $2.1 million raised," said Linda Ellingsworth, director of communications and marketing for Special Olympics Maryland. "We are still collecting and processing donations from [Jan. 26]."

Among the estimated 12,000 people who participated in one of the state's largest fundraisers were first-time Plungers Sgt. 1st Class Jason Fischer, operations noncommissioned officer for the 780th MI, his daughter Kireina and his sister-in-law Allyne Castillo.

"As this was my first experience, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I had a great time," Fischer said. "It was a lot of fun supporting such a well-deserving cause along with a notably broad slice of society."

Although Fischer said his family doesn't actively support any particular charity, they have volunteered for other charities.

"It's never hard to get involved in well coordinated and enjoyable fundraising events like the MSP Polar Plunge," he said. "I would gladly take the plunge again, and thanks very much to all the family and friends who pledged their support."

Despite the freezing temperature, Kireina was proud to be a participant alongside her father.

"It was cold," she said, teeth chattering, "but I'm glad I supported something important."

Also participating from a subordinate unit of the 780th MI was Staff Sgt. Kirston Smith, information management NCO for the 781st MI Battalion.

For her, it's personal.

"The Special Olympics hold a special place in my heart because my brother has cerebral palsy," Smith said.

This was Smith's second year of plunging and she vowed to return again.

"I love doing things to support children and I will be there again next year plunging for the kids," said Smith, a regular volunteer with the Fort Meade Partners in Education program within the brigade. "I love volunteering and supporting anything that can help anyone and give back to the community."