What better way for 12 people to get to know one another than to ride in a van together for 24-36 hours.  The American Odyssey Relay 2012 was held on April 26-27^th and it provided just such an opportunity for a road trip. The event was incredible in every sense of the word; from the camaraderie to the tremendous support from surrounding communities the race was spectacular.  The 200 mile relay race from Gettysburg to DC had plenty of fun runs and beautiful scenes along the way.  But, it was also a great way to help unite the Team Red, White & Blue community while raising awareness for our cause.

I was amazed by the prevalence of people “wearing the Eagle.” It seemed that at every transition point I would come across several people in Team Red, White & Blue gear cheering on their teammates and supporting other runners in true TRWB fashion.  Running through Gettysburg, a place with so much military history, I felt so proud to be supporting an organization devoted to helping our nation’s wounded veterans and their families.  It is this same cause that inspired our whole team, most of us strangers who had never met before this race, to run hard and leave nothing in the tank.  One member of our team, Kevin Fussell, a pulmonologist from Georgia said it best, “As everyone told me before the race it is the most fun you will ever have running, and having now experienced it I completely agree.  One of the things I appreciated the most was that everyone ran with the same heart and toughness, and the only thing separating us was our level of fitness and talent.  Nobody was just calling it in.  That meant something to me, and it pushed me to give it my all even when I wasn’t sure what I was capable of doing.”

The Odyssey Relay provided a great way to meet new friends and run into some old ones as well.  The race is an amazing reflection of the core mission of Team Red White, and Blue.  Our relay team struggled together, bonded, and supported each other in order to achieve a common goal when we finished the race.  This is no different than what happens every day in the Team RWB community; advocates, athletes, and wounded warriors are almost always strangers, yet they bond over shared interests.  Our advocates and veterans meet in local communities, strive towards goals together, struggle through life’s hurdles, and create long term bonds.

Our team has already signed up to run the American Odyssey Relay in 2013.  I am eagerly anticipating the reunion, and equally excited to meet new Team RWB community members.  Hope to see you there!

It’s Our Turn!

I am happy to be writing about yet another brilliant event geared toward helping our nation’s combat veteran athletes.  The Team Red, White & Blue Tri-Camp took place on 12-15 April in Austin and was by all measures a remarkable weekend.  Fourteen veterans attended the triathlon training camp which was hosted by Coach Derrick Williamson and professional triathlete and military veteran Jessica Jacobs, and featured guest professional triathlete and military veteran Jessica Meyers.

The event kicked off with a welcome dinner consisting of top-notch steak from the Texas Beef Council.  The welcome dinner provided a low-threat forum for athletes and coaches to get acquainted and share experiences.  The first day also allowed athletes to claim some free gear: tri shirts and shorts provided by Team Red, White & Blue, wetsuits for open water swims provided by XTERRA, and bicycling equipment provided by Jack & Adams, the local bicycle shop supporting the camp.

Friday kicked off bright and early with a running drills clinic and 2-mile time trial for those who were interested. Free lunch was provided for all athletes while Jack & Adams were on site to ensure the bicycle needs of athletes were met and helped fine tune the proper fitting of equipment for the athletes prior to the bike clinic.  The pros offered to take volunteers on a ride while others were able to relax between instruction classes with a friendly game of pitch-&-putt.  The last item on the agenda for Friday was an open water swim clinic at the nearby Pure Austin Quarry.

The remainder of the weekend provided a perfect balance of challenging workouts with several instructional clinics on nutrition, training and transitioning.  All meals and transportation throughout the camp were provided for the athletes, which allowed them to completely focus on training while not worrying at all about logistics.  The seamless execution of the camp is attributed to the outstanding effort of the coaches and pros and phenomenal organization and planning of Brittany Meeks, Briana Roehling and Patrick Hight.  Many thanks to this team and all of their efforts to spearhead the Austin Tri Camp and establish a first class paradigm for future camps.  Thanks to all of the veterans that participated in the training and made this a memorable occasion for all involved.  As Mike would say – Keep up the fire!

It’s Our Turn!

Team Red, White & Blue’s mission is to enrich the lives of wounded veterans and their families, and the organization has helped countless veterans achieve this goal.  However, what is really special and honorable about Team RWB is that its leaders share a passion for uniting communities not just of wounded veterans, but their families, advocates, neighbors and anybody willing to support the cause.  Chris Widell, an Army Officer and Team RWB Lead Advocate for the Houston Chapter, was inspired by an incredible community member named Chris Arthey, an amputee living in the Houston area.  The pair met in November 2011 while registering for Team RWB’s Veterans Day Race in Houston. This post will try to shed light on the true inspiration Chris and Denise Arthey provide to our community, but will most likely fall short in fully relating our gratitude to them.

Chris and his wife Denise, who are originally from the UK, moved to Texas in 2007 as part of a job assignment from Chris’ employer.  Behind in the UK, they left their three children, the youngest of whom was in college at the time.  Chris was an avid runner with nine marathons under his belt and didn’t skip a beat in getting involved in the Texas running scene. Shortly after his move to Texas, he competed in the February 2008 Austin half-marathon, finishing in 5^th place for his age group.

In May, Chris and Denise took a road trip on their Harley Davidson to explore the southern coast of Texas.  Following a relaxing break for lunch on a quiet weekday, tragedy struck that would change Chris and Denise’s lives forever.  They were hit nearly head-on by a drunk driver who veered into their lane at 80 miles per hour.  The combined speed of the accident was 135 MPH and it almost killed them both.  Chris and Denise both lost their left legs, some mobility in their broken left arms, and suffered several internal injuries.  Denise had fewer internal injuries and less concussion than Chris, who was comatose for three weeks.  Recovery was incredibly difficult, but both Chris and Denise were fighters, and fortunately very fit, so they were able to leave the hospital after just a few short months in July of 2008.

Chris was determined to eventually run again although he knew it would be a long and painstaking process.  He received his first prosthetic running leg at the end of 2009, and he ran his first post accident 5k in January of 2010 in less than 50 minutes.  As a modest Chris puts it, he was just happy he “didn’t fall over or finish last!” By May of 2011, Chris was running well over six miles continuously and had mastered swimming and cycling enough to attempt his first triathlon.

In November 2011, Chris ran the Team RWB Veterans Day Race and says he was “totally impressed with the Team RWB concept,” and that he and Denise “admire how Americans are careful to honor those who serve their country.”  Chris was motivated by other amputees, such as Dan Cowart who was badly injured while on active duty yet still embodies the warrior spirit as demonstrated by his completion of the entire race in a hand-crank wheelchair.  However, this motivation was certainly not one-sided.  If you talk to Dan, he will tell you that Chris’s example inspired him to transition from riding the handcrank bike to running on a prosthetic leg.

Chris met with Widell to run the Austin half-marathon in February and then again in March for what was his first full marathon as an amputee.  Chris was incredibly proud and honored to wear the Team RWB eagle on his chest as he completed two of his toughest runs.  Chris recalls Widell running with Old Glory, then feeling such gratefulness when Widell came back to encourage him and help him finish the last mile of the marathon.  Chris views himself as an alien or outsider wearing the eagle and colors of Old Glory.  He very modestly claims that he didn’t lose his leg under such honorable circumstances as our wounded veterans. However, it is readily apparent that he embodies the values, resilience and spirit of our wounded warriors.  His selfless impact on our community and mission has been immense, and we at TRWB couldn’t think of a better word to describe his actions than – honorable.

Chris is thankful to have met the Team RWB family because they have been an enormous support system for him, and he enjoys participating in Team RWB events.  Chris says that he and Denise have “literally been pulled through our worst days by wonderful people who believe in us.  They have helped us to prove that when the worst happens, you don’t need to be ‘under the circumstances’ but can rise above them.”  Chris and Denise are happy that they can carry on Team RWB’s slogan, “It’s Our Turn” to encourage others in their time of need.  Chris has not wasted any time in helping those in need – he has inspired several amputee veterans to resume running again.  Chris is the epitome of a Team RWB advocate, and he is an inspiration to all of us.  Chris and Denise, we are so happy to have you as part of our team!

It’s Our Turn!

Written by: Judy Gentz

Mother of Capt Joel Gentz, KIA 6/9/10

Major Mike Erwin attended my son’s calling hours. He had never met Joel, nor had he ever met our family.  Mike was a graduate student at U of M, and came in his dress uniform to pay his respects to a local fallen American soldier.  Mike had read about Joel in the paper, and knew that he was an avid runner. During his visit that day, Mike asked if he and an Army buddy could dedicate an ultra marathon they were planning in Joel’s memory.  That October, our younger son, Jared, ran 54 miles side-by-side with Mike Erwin, his Army friend Mike Adkyns, and several other people in the M-1 Joel C Gentz Ultra Marathon.  This was Team RWB’s first official event…and it was amazing. A bit of money was raised, but more importantly awareness was raised about the thousands of American troops with visible and invisible injuries whose need for civilian partners in their reintegration was huge.

My needs at that time were also huge.  I needed information, support, reassurance…and most of the time I really didn’t even know what I needed. My emotional pain at times seemed unbearable.  The grief from the loss of one’s child is beyond description.  The following February I made a visit to Nellis AFB, and Aggie agreed to meet me. I anxiously drove to his home wondering what it would be like to meet one of the men who survived the crash that took my son.  Aggie was able to answer simple questions and offer reassurance that the USAF could not, because he was there. He was gentle, kind and understanding.  I told him about the Ultra-marathon, and he told me how much he hoped he’d run again. I shared with Aggie about Team RWB and their aim to partner civilians with injured vets.

On March 1st I drove to the Detroit Airport to pick up MSgt Christopher “Aggie” Aguilera. Aggie came for a weekend visit, to meet my husband and son, and to help promote Team Red, White and Blue in our community. I want to share very briefly how important Aggie is to me and my family, and how Team Red, White and Blue gave me the courage to seek Aggie out.

Aggie has allowed us to share our grief with him and he has shared his with us. I hope that our relationship helps to ease some of the guilt Aggie is left with. His surviving the crash has been a ray of light in our darkest times. My younger son spent a lot of time with Aggie. This really helped him acknowledge painful feelings of longing for Joel…his older brother. Aggie offered brotherhood to Jared, and to my husband and myself, Aggie has allowed us to “adopt” him. I look forward to him meeting our daughter someday soon, and he and his wife being a part of our extended family.

I know Aggie is not Joel, so there’s no pretending of a replacement here. But, I feel very strongly that Joel would want us to have a relationship with Aggie, who suffered multiple injuries and is alive by a miracle of sorts. I also think Joel would dive into Team Red, White and Blue head first.  As a Combat Rescue Officer his job was to meet the needs of combat wounded, and I am certain he would view caring for the wounded veterans at home in the same way.

The pain in my heart is indescribable at times…the yearning to hear Joel’s voice, to get that awesome AF hug. Nothing really makes that go away. But, during those other moments, I think about veterans in need here in the U.S.  These men and women who have pain that may be emotional, physical or both.  I know that having a connection with Aggie, and supporting the efforts of Team RWB in this way is exactly what Joel would want.  It brings me a sense of love and compassion.   These are the feelings of a mother…and that’s who I am, now with a Gold Star pin to wear.

On Saturday, March 10^th over 50 Team Red, White & Blue (TRWB) veterans, athletes and supporters ran together through Syracuse’s Tipperary Hill in the 7^th Annual Shamrock Run. The group participated in the event to raise awareness for Team Red, White & Blue’s mission: to enrich the lives of wounded veterans and their families.

The runners, wearing red shirts emblazoned with a blue and white eagle on the front, proudly carried two American flags throughout the four mile course. TRWB is a non-profit organization that helps wounded veterans reintegrate into society.  A common method of connecting members of the community is through the shared interest of physical fitness. The Shamrock Run was a great opportunity to forge new relationships while strengthening existing friendships among community advocates and over 20 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans participating in the event.

Following this year’s record setting race, featuring over 3,000 runners, a group of over 40 Team Red, White & Blue members gathered at a local restaurant to socialize and network.  Some talked of the race being their first run in months while others shared stories about their experiences in the military.  Team Red, White & Blue athlete and advocate Nick Armstrong commented, “This was all about getting veterans and their supporters out in public to strengthen relationships and build a genuine connection to their community.  Creating that sense of belonging is what transition to civilian life is all about and the great turnout we had is just another positive reflection on the successful efforts of the Team RWB CNY Chapter and the generosity of the City of Syracuse and surrounding areas.”

To learn more about future athletic events and an upcoming Chief’s baseball game in the spring, or to learn how to get involved with Team RWB’s Upstate New York Chapter, contact mark@teamrwb.org.



It was below zero at dawn last Sunday with the sun shining brightly over the Adirondack Mountains. Later that morning at the World Cup Championships Steve Holcomb slid to a first place finish in the Night Train, his sled emblazoned with the Team Red, White, & Blue decal front and center for all to see. He greeted the overwhelming cheers and screams of the crowd at Lake Placid like a champion; another chapter written in a promising and remarkable bobsled career. A week after winning the two-man gold at the world championships Holcomb secured the four-man, easily besting the top two German sleds.

Holcomb and his crew of Justin Olsen, Steve Langton and Curt Tomasevicz had a four-run total of 3 minutes, 36.83 seconds — a full half-second in front of silver medalist Maximilian Arndt. Defending world champion Manuel Machata of Germany took the bronze, trailing Holcomb by 0.80 seconds. This was the second gold in four-man at worlds for Holcomb.  His first victory was at Lake Placid in 2009, and his triumph last week in two-man was a first for the United States at worlds since two-man began in 1931.

Among the crowds cheering him on that weekend were injured veterans, members of the USO staff based out of Fort Drum, and Team Red White and Blue volunteers and directors. The vets were invited by Team Red, White, & Blue (TRWB) and treated to a weekend of community and fellowship – a brief respite and an opportunity to cheer on TRWB Ambassador and gold medal champion, Steve Holcomb.

Photo by Pat Hendrick

Here is what AW2 and Triathlete Jim Wilkes said about the event:

Veterans, wounded service members, caretakers, family members, caseworkers, Team RWB volunteers, and advocates broke away from their daily routines to strengthen and create new relationships through an unparralleled experience. The trip, coordinated by New York State Team Red, White, & Blue chapter lead, veteran, and former Army Captain Mark Erwin, along with the support of the USO was environmentally cold, but emotionally warm.  This warmth was fueled by a commonality that existed in the group, and allowed for an ease of interaction.  Not only were we sharing a current experience, but most in attendance had also  traveled a cold hard path of adversity.  Some were at the beginning of the adversity spectrum, while others had traveled its windy rough path for quite some time. However this gave us the ability to lower barriers usually erected for outsiders, and freely relate to one another.  For me it created a learning experience on how not to overwhelm others in communicating how I overcame various hindrances to become a tri-athlete.

Interaction was the key element of the weekend.  Everyone had a friendly and personal interaction with every other individual present.  The atmosphere was not that of a corporate or military structured environment, but one of a team.  If a single individual was looking for a spotlight, there wasn’t one to be found; however, if someone needed assistance, AW2 or USO information, or warm clothing for the frigid Adirondack air – they received it, no questions asked.  Meeting everyone on the first night, interacting with many past and current Olympic athletes and their families, and meeting Steve Holcomb and the crew of USA 1 after they won gold was something my family and I will never forget.

In case you haven’t heard, Team RWB Texas is a force to be reckoned with! The latest achievement on their list was organizing, manning and executing a very successful water station at mile 17 of the Houston marathon. The effort was spearheaded by Melissa Grobler, who enlisted over 100 volunteers to support, cheer on, and revitalize over 10,000 runners. With the tremendous help and support of Aaron and Tiffany Hetherington, Katherine Powell, and Jeanette Pearson the station was aglow with Team Red, White & Blue signs and markers, which not only invigorated the six Team RWB athletes running the race (Bill & Bridget Moeller, Jim, Jenny and Robert Mason, and Nichole Witt), but also the thousands of runners, spectators and volunteers at the event.

It is no easy feat to coordinate a volunteer effort of this magnitude and maintain the constant fire, for which Team Red, White & Blue community members are so well known, throughout an entire day. But in true fashion, they maintained an intense state of enthusiasm and support for every runner in Houston on January 14th, right down to the last man. They not only handed out water, gatorade and energy supplements, but (and this is my favorite part) also manned a free “high 5″ station with volunteers under the age of 5 being an integral part of that duty.

Many congratulations to Melissa, Houston lead advocate – Chris Widell, and the whole team of volunteers who made this event happen. This was a brilliant idea, which gave hundreds of people of all ages an opportunity to volunteer and simultaneously show their support for Team Red, White & Blue. The event spurred a donation from the Houston Marathon Committee to TRWB, but much more importantly it generated a great deal of awareness for our important mission.

After their amazing success at the Houston marathon, Team RWB Houston has committed to man a water station at the Woodlands Marathon on March 3rd, 2012. They will also be providing athlete support at the Ironman Texas on May 19th, 2012 (Aaron Hetherington will lead that effort). So if you are in the Texas area and looking for a way to get involved with Team RWB, here is your opportunity. Stay plugged in by visiting Team RWB Texas on facebook or checkout Chris Widell’s newsletter at this link.

Congratulations and keep up the fire Texas!
It’s Our Turn!
Greg

Today I want to share a story about an incredibly mature and selfless 10 year old girl named Sarah.  Her story begins with a simple act of sending rosaries to the brother of a family friend at West Point to distribute to Team Red, White & Blue.  From this act emerged an idea, Sarah decided that she wanted to make and distribute rosaries “to any Soldier who wants one or until they all come home.”  The kindness and appreciation that is implicit in this act is astonishing from such a young woman, and is certainly a testament to her character and the selfless nature of those around her.  Then Sarah learned about the mission and vision of Team Red, White & Blue and how this community of individuals is united through a shared passion of running and honoring those who served.  This revelation caused Sarah to expand her mission to include, “I’m going to run until my feet fall off and then I’ll run some more.”  And this is where Sarah demonstrated her true colors and in doing so truly amazed me and the Team Red, White & Blue community.  The following is this heart-warming story of Sarah’s first 5k as told by her mother Jolynn.

Sarah and I completed our first 5K. She finished 7th in the “Under 14” category. If you’ll indulge a proud mom, the story follows:

While Sarah and I were training, I kept trying to convince her that, because I am older and out of shape, she needed to be prepared to run ahead of me.  She resisted because she’s “not a ditcher.”  On race day, I reminded her that I thought she could do really well if she just ran out ahead of me, and despite the insistence of her 13-year-old sister that it would be OK, she was still refusing.  As circumstances at the starting line would have it, Sarah and I got separated and I watched her red hat and shirt disappear into the crowd…so proud that she was off on her own.  As runners were heading back toward the start/finish (this was an out-and-back not a loop), I kept looking for my daughter on the return.  As we passed going in opposite directions, we both exchanged shouts of encouragement.  I admit I teared up a little as she told me to keep moving because I could do this and because I couldn’t believe how well she was doing on her own.

As I got “back to town” and could see the town square ahead, I noticed a red hat and red shirt coming back toward me.  I started to tear up again; she was coming back for me.  Sarah is a big fan of Trace Adkins’ song, “Semper Fi.”  As she took my hand, she said, “…never leave a man behind…Semper Fi.  We’re going to finish this.”

Sarah had such a great time running and representing Team Red, White, and Blue in Harmony, PA, and she’s looking forward to running Cupid’s Chase 5K in Pittsburgh, February 11.  She tried to pull a team together for the American Odyssey Relay in April from Gettysburg to DC after they agreed to let her run, but she hasn’t been able to put a 12 person team together (she’s got 6), so we’re doubtful that will come together.  Her dad and I are hoping to get her team to run some sort of homemade relay with her instead.

Thank you again for all your help getting Sarah and I registered to run on behalf of Team Red, White, and Blue, and for all you and the organization do for our wounded veterans.

Sincerely,
Jolynn

If you are in search of an inspirational story about overcoming adversity and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, then look no further than Team Red, White & Blue’s very own – Jillian O’Malley.  I recently had the privilege to hear the first hand account of her triumph from a morbidly obese woman to an Ironman finisher.  As if this achievement wasn’t impressive enough, Jillian is also a combat veteran who served two tours in Iraq; she is an Army spouse gearing up for her husband’s third combat deployment; she is a full time mother to two beautiful girls; and she is a a college student to boot!  If you are like me, then you probably came to the conclusion that Jillian is superhuman, and honestly all evidence points in that direction.

Having suffered from a metabolism disorder her whole life, Jillian had a lot of trouble maintaining a healthy weight despite diet and exercise.  At the age of 26, after having two children, Jillian was morbidly obese at a weight of 300 pounds.  She would become winded walking from her car to the front door of the commissary.  It was at this point that she decided to make a change to ensure she would be able to live an active life with her husband and children.  She elected to have gastric bypass surgery, which in effect would serve to counter the metabolism disorder that burdened her throughout her life and army career.  The surgery was a success and Jillian was cleared to exercise just one month post operation.  To say that she exercised would be putting it mildly – Jillian worked diligently and just six months after her operation she lost an astonishing 140 pounds!  She ran her first 5k in 31:08, and four months later, Jillian ran her first sprint triathlon.  This achievement would serve to ignite a spark within her, making triathlons her passion.  She worked her way up the ladder finishing half marathons, full marathons, half Ironmans and eventually crossing the finish line and completing a full Ironman!

Despite all of her tremendous accomplishments, Jillian remains a humbled woman eager to give back to other veterans who have served our great nation.  She mentioned that she was grateful to have come back from Iraq unharmed after two tours, and her heart goes out to those that have not been as fortunate.  This is what fueled her motivation – to race for every service member who has served honorably and sacrificed greatly.  Jillian acknowledges that “racing is inherently selfish” because it is an individual sport with individual results, but she approaches each race as though she is governed by a higher purpose – to run for those men and women who cannot.  This is precisely what drew her into the mission of Team Red, White & Blue.   She enjoys the great community of people driven not by fundraising or individual results, but rather by a shared passion for running and an appreciation for veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much for our great nation.

It is certainly an honor to have Jillian as a part of our Team Red, White & Blue community.  She is an inspiration to anyone who is facing tough circumstances.  Her message is clear – you can accomplish anything you set out to achieve.  When asked to offer advice to others facing a similar dilemma, Jillian responds, “It is never too late, and there is always hope.  Also, remember that no matter how slow you think you are running, you are always lapping everyone who is just sitting on the couch.”  Since we have recently entered a new year, it seems that there is no better time to take her up on this advice and start making positive changes in 2012.

So what is next for Jillian O’Malley?  She is running the Orlando 70.3 and Augusta 70.3 with a target finish time of under 5.5 hours.  She will be finishing her degree in Homeland Security in approximately eight months.  And she will be performing the difficult duties and sacrifices associated with an army spouse as her husband Joel prepares for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan at the end of the year.  One thing is for certain, everyone at Team Red, White & Blue wishes her and her family the best of luck in all of their endeavors and will be supporting them 100%.  If you are eager to keep up with Jillian’s story you can follow her blog at: http://www.fattytoironmom.com/

It’s Our Turn!

Greg

On December 8th, 2011, six members of Team Red, White & Blue, set out to relay-run the 150 miles from the Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville, PA to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA to honor the 143 Annapolis and West Point graduates killed in the line of duty since 9/11.

As I got out of the car, sun setting on a 25 degree December evening in Shanksville, PA the six of us crunched our way across the snow covered path to the site of the Flight 93 memorial. Still coming out of our been-driving-too-long haze as we approached the 40 white polished marble slats, I knew in my mind what I was walking up to, but didn’t comprehend how much it would mean to finally be there and experience it. It was the names that got to me: Christian Adams; Lorraine G. Bay; Todd Beamer. It was the realization that I was on hallowed ground, the final resting place of the “Let’s Roll” men, the first offensive action in the war that has become the single central theme of my 20s and 30s. As we started off from the memorial that night, the mood was somber, one of respect, and a glint of awareness of a greater purpose for our journey.

The six of us ran through the night, one hour at a time, passing off “Old Glory” each time, and encouraging each other. We had two cars, with three runners each, meaning the “off duty” car had some time to grab food and water, and get some rest in between runs. We were friends with a shared military background who had not seen each other in a long time, and so our conversation in the car usually turned to family, “Glory days” stories, or how West Point has changed since our time. When it was my turn to run, though, my thoughts turned to the 143 Academy graduates killed in the line of duty since 9/11. Several were my friends, and all were men and women cut from the same cloth; humble servants who paid the last full measure of devotion, voluntarily, for the country they served. I was reminded of my charge to care for their families, for their widows and orphans. To make sure the spouses and children hear the stories of heroics to get through the rough times, and when old enough, the stories of the service member’s depth of character, complete with flaws, to unlock for them the richness of their loved one’s humanity. As cold as the night wind was while I carried the flag down those snow dressed back-country roads, it was comforting to spend time with my thoughts, and to know that I haven’t forgotten.

Eventually the sun rose, thawing our frosty faces and waking a slumbering America. It was refreshing to hear the support from passers by (we took the liberty of assuming all honks were affirmative) as we ran our flag down I-70 into Pennsylvania and Maryland. It was a welcome perspective to see the countryside; so much is missed in a climate-controlled car at 60 miles per hour with Bluetooth and six cup holders. With a steady pace and resolve, we continued to run our hour-long legs, moving our team and the flag on towards Washington D.C.

As we crossed into D.C., we started running in pairs, both for safety in crossing roads (the flag can block the runner from seeing cross-traffic), and to fit the other four people in a single car. We got all kinds of greetings from our countrymen, mostly positive, others frustrated that our 7:30 minute pace was faster than their commute down Wisconsin Avenue. We crossed the Potomac, rallied our group at the iconic monument to four Marines planting the American Flag at Iwo Jima. From here we set off as a group of six on our final leg to Arlington National Cemetery. Tired from 20 hours of running and driving, we were again struck with a dose of awareness when we turned the last corner, confronted with the expanse of evenly spaced resting places for two centuries of American Heroes. Just like the Shanksville memorial, even when you know they are coming, the place takes you. Here we were, thinking we were “done with our mission”, when the thousands of souls resting in front of us reminded us we were not. Here is when the picture first painted some 150 miles away in a Pennsylvania field came into full view; ours was the path of the American Warrior since 9/11. Starting around 9 AM in the coach section of Flight 93, and continuing through the rescue efforts of the twin towers, and on to Iraq and Afghanistan, a small percentage of Americans have continuously fought against that which threatens our life and liberty. We started in the place where those first chosen perished, and ended at the present and future resting place of Military members who carry the torch from that day forth.

Our journey started off as a way to honor the 143 Academy graduates that have died since 9/11. Somewhere along the way we came to realize that it was for more than just this, many have borne a servant’s yoke on behalf of this country. What we realized is that it was a tribute meant for all those who serve in our common defense. It was a tribute for those who understand that leadership is a position of servitude. It was a tribute for leaders who understand the only sufficient reward for their service, is the intrinsic reward of service itself. It is in these men and women for whom we honor the past, to whom we give thanks for the present, and in whom we hope for the future.

It’s Our Turn!
Sam Linn