As many know by now, I
decided back at the end of March that I would be running the ING NYC Marathon
for the USO on November 4th....
Then at the end of May I
opened up Facebook and was saddened to read the post of my dear friend Allie,
who I had not seen since leaving Washington. Her husband Sean had been shot and
killed in Afghanistan. In my almost 15 years of working for the US Navy I had
never had this feeling. Never had I had someone in my Military Family lose
their spouse or family member, and being this far away, there was nothing I
could do.
Then I remembered that the
USO had stated in their e-mails to the athletes, that we could run for fallen
service men and woman. I knew then, what I wanted/had to do.
Towards the end of June I
sent a message to Allie asking for hers and Sean’s Families blessing in running
the marathon for Sean.
On the 4th I will be wearing the outfit I have discussed
numerous times, but more importantly, will be my shirt….
As you can see, on the
front, are those folks that have supported the USO through your generous
donations….
The MOST IMPORTANT part of
the shirt will be the back, and who will be helping carry/push me through those
26.2 miles from above.
It is because of the
sacrifices of men and women like Sean that we have the Freedoms that we do, and
NEVER should take those Freedoms for granted.
I ask that you keep Allie, their
daughter Addie, and Sean’s Family in your prayers.
W/ much Love,
Chris
