Run for the Fallen

Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal always went in for the active approach. In high school he was a volunteer firefighter and spoke of either making that his profession or becoming a police officer. “He would come to almost all the (fire) calls that he could,” said Michael Gabbianelli, a friend and fellow volunteer firefighter. “He was always there to help people.” Bruckenthal, 24, of Smithtown, N.Y., died April 24 when suicide bombers in boats attacked pumping stations in the Persian Gulf. He was based at the the Coast Guard Air Station in the Miami suburb of Opa-Locka, Fla. The Ridgefield, Conn., native was the first member of the Coast Guard to die in battle since Vietnam. Bruckenthal played football in high school and was involved with a club that helped students who were new to the school adjust. Bruckenthal was a month away from finishing his second stint in Iraq returning home to his wife, pregnant with their first child. Survivors also include his parents and sister.

The mile run for Nathan Bruckenthal.

Information for this story was provided by In Remembrance.

From Donald D. Tolbert Jr. Lt. Col USMC (Retired), who ran with us on Day 7. Inspiring words from Don.

Comment:
On Saturday, 21 June 2008, I had the privelage of running with Run for the Fallen. RFTF is a small group of dedicated civilians who are running over 4,000 miles across the United States in honor of each of our fallen service members from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The group began their quest on Flag Day 14 June at Fort Irwin, CA and will complete their run on 24 August at the Arlington National Cemetery. A small flag and name placard are placed in memory of a service member at each mile. www.runforthefallen.org

I was amazed to find out that there wasn’t a single military active duty service member or retiree on their team; civilians honoring our fallen. RFTF is a vision of one man, Jon Bellona, whose college roommate was killed in action – 1stLt. Michael J. Cleary. Jon joined forces with 1stLt Cleary’s fiancée Erin Kavanaghover and other friends to form RFTF, which consists of a team of 5-10 runners who will relay daily, 5-10 miles each, over the course of about 70 days, across 25 states.

The RFTF route brought them through Morongo Basin with Palm Springs Television and MCAGCC Observation Post coverage. I contacted RFTF and met them at 0430 at the Elementary School on Sunburst Road in Joshua Tree, CA. After introductions, the day began in solemn silence as I stood at attention as the names of each of the 65 fallen service members for this day were read. I was already chocked up in the pre-dawn darkness.

I joined Taylor Janes for mile one and headed South on Sunburst towards Route 62. Taylor also attended college with 1stLt Cleary and was moved to action by his sacrifice. Taylor and I placed a marker in honor of SSgt Daniel A. Bader on Route 62. I now headed East towards Twentynine Palms, CA for mile two as I accompanied another RFTF member. Shauna Sweet reminisced about a service member she met on an airplane over 4-years ago. She did not remember his name, but ran in his memory. She also attended the same college as 1stLt Cleary. At mile two we honored Sgt Ernest G. Bucklew.

I now ran solo, alone in my thoughts. I ran to honor my brothers and sisters in arms and thought of about their sacrifices. As I reflected, the miles became tearful as I thought of their families. I honored SPC Steven D. Conover, PFC Anthony D. Dagostino, and SPC Darius T Jennings. The sun was now shinning brightly as the desert warmed up. I honored PFC Karina S. Lau, Sgt Keelan L. Moss, SPC Brian H. Penisten, Sgt Ross A. Pennanen, and Sgt Joel Perez. Still running alone, I turned North on Lear Road and at the corner of Two Mile Road I was joined by five runners from the US Naval Hospital. We honored SPC Francis M. Vega. Now headed East on Two Mile, other runners joined us including CDR Ericson, and Denise Tennison pushing her 9-month old son Tristan in a runner’s stroller. Tristan would become the youngest American to participate in RFTF. We ran honoring SSgt Paul A. Velazquez and SSgt Joe N. Wilson. Nearing Adobe Road my miles of running had ended but I did not want to leave. The RFTF staff made room for me in one of their vehicles. We drove to the next mile and made preparations for the runners who now honored 1stLt Brian D. Slavens, and CWO Bruce A. Smith near Lucky Park. We then honored 2ndLt Benjamin J. Coogan on Utah Trail. RFTF turned East onto Amboy Road honoring other fallen as I said farewell.

Of the miles I have run over the years, none were more meaningful, tearful and fulfilling as the miles for our fallen.
God Speed! Donald D. Tolbert Jr. LtCol USMC (Retired) 21 June 2008

Today we finished running in Congress, AZ, but we were welcomed at the Wickenburg Inn, 15 miles south in the town of Wickenburg. The GM, Louie, had drinks and food out for the runners, placed a sign up for the run, and graciously allowed us to stay with his hotel. The last five nights we have been graciously met, and we are indebted to everyone’s hospitality and generosity. Thank you.

Click the card below to view the service members we ran for today.

This is the second day that Blue Pants Racing from Tucson, AZ has run with Run for the Fallen. They have been wonderful, and we are elated to have Blue Pants run with us throughout the state of Arizona.

We ran by the giant wind farm in Indio, CA this morning.  It was indeed super windy, but what a view!  It was mesmerizing to watch the different sizes and speeds of the giant windmill turbines, and to think about the number of mills at work.  Against the gorgeous mountains, the turbines became the breathtaking beauty in the landscape. We began running a little after 4:30am with the temperature at about 65 degrees. By the time we finished the temperature was over 100 degrees. Because it is getting so hot these days, we are starting our runs earlier and earlier.

A big thank you to Pastor Dave and the Trinity Baptist Church of Indio, CA and to John, Jeremy and Patrick of the congregation for opening their doors to accommodate the team, and for all their help and support.

Click on the card below to view those service members we ran for on June 20.

Several runners on Maui symbolically joined Run for the Fallen for the memorial start on June 14, Flag Day. Runners ran a number of miles in honor of Flag Day and 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary who was KIA 12.20.05.