Run for the Fallen

Dalhart, TX: July 10

We are on schedule, currently staying at CSS Farms (the Gilley residence) in Dalhart, TX.

Here is the team just a few days ago in Monticello, UT. Our spirits are just as good as ever after entering Texas today.

Thanks to Jon, Michelle, Ian, & Cameron for opening their home to us. We picked potatoes, fed the chickens and goats, and relaxed in the cool Texas evening. We had our first Texas lunch with the Rotary Club in Dalhart and our first dinner (at the Gilley’s) was complete with fresh farm potatoes, tomatoes, and local beef in the sauce. Grand!

We are planning on arriving in Amarillo, TX at 1pm (Friday) at the Veteran’s Hospital. There we will meet the Patriot Riders, Texas America Supports You, and other great organizations from the area. Tomorrow will be a hard day of running, but every step reminds us. Every step reminds us.

Our run Saturday will begin from the Ambassador Hotel in Amarillo approx. 630am. From there we will run up S Georgia St to W Amarillo Blvd, connecting back with Rt. 136 (Fritch Hwy) and the pre-scheduled route on Google and Map My Run.

Thank you to the Gilleys and the town of Dalhart for making our first day/evening in Texas a welcome one.

Thanks for the post and that terrific photo from Monticello, UT, which is also now posted online with Terri’s TWO stories about the welcome for you all and the Run at http://www.sjrnews.com

What a gifted writer. She has captured the heart and soul (sole!) of what the Run is all about. It deserves to be published nationwide….I tried AP today, but having covered you all at the start, they are not likely to do another, I was told. Too bad!

However, everyone reading this can send the link north, south, east and even west! http://www.sjrnews.com Do it!

Monticello’s welcome will be a hard act to follow!

I wonder if the good pastor at Des Moines, NM, caught up with you yesterday on his bike with fresh baked peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies!

There are still lots of small communities on your route where the word has not gone ahead, so hope everyone will do their bit to alert folks you are coming.
Some people came out too late, not realising you are on the road at 6am most days.

You have obviously done an amazing job preplanning and making all the right connections at your overnight stops. To America’s finest, along with all our military familes and those serving in harm’s way, heartfelt thanks!

Pretty soon you will be running a mile to honor yet another of my hometown fallen heroes, Major Michael David Martino.
His parents did not know about the Run, until I contacted them. His dad’s thoughts will surely resonate with you when you place his flag.
“Thank you so much for remembering our son Michael. Just to let you know Michael lived in Irvine and graduated from Woodbridge High School. He always considered Irvine as his home. We left Irvine and moved to Virginia in 1996, but when Mike was commissioned and completed flight school his choice was to go back to Camp Pendleton and be near his home in Irvine. My wife and I are so happy that he is honored by Irvine and people like you every year. We have heard about the memorial at the park, but have been unable to get back to visit it. We will get there someday soon.

We were not aware of run for the fallen and his mile. Thank you for telling us. I think I should tell you something about Michael. He was a devoted Marine and loved his country. He believed strongly that what we were doing in Iraq was not only the moral right thing to do, but was necessary for the future security of our country. I know this because before his last tour in Iraq we had asked him if he thought maybe he should leave the Marines and find another career. His words to us still are vivid in my mind. He said ” I cannot imagine doing anything else”. He was a wonderful son, a good brother to his brother and sister and a good Marine. He was killed on November 2nd 2005 when his Cobra Helicopter was shot down by an Iranian Surface to Air Missile.

In his commendation it was noted that he had saved the lives of many fellow Marines. We personally met some of them during a ceremony at his grave in Arlington Cemetery. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, the Air Medal for Valor and the Purple Heart. Our family is proud of him and his service, but not a day goes by that I don’t cry a little missing him. I take some solace in knowing that my fellow citizens have not forgotten what he did and honor his memory.”

God Bless America.

About

Beginning June 14, 2008, a small team of runners will run across America to raise awareness about the lives of those soldiers who fought, to activate their memories and keep their spirits alive, to support organizations that help wounded veterans and the families of those killed (Wounded Warrior Project, Yellow Ribbon Fund, Gold Star Family Support Center, and the 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary Memorial Fund), and to aid the healing process for those Americans whose lives have been affected by the war.

We encourage all Americans to run one mile for a service member on our last day Sunday, August 24, when we will reach the gates of Arlington National Cemetery. It is on this day that we run in honor and remembrance of all fallen service members killed in both Iraq and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom).

We refuse any political affiliation or agenda, but simply honor those who have fought, and those who have fallen under the American flag.

Download a runner’s bib that you can wear when you run for the fallen.

Judy d'Albert 07.10.08 / 10pm

Karl Rysted 07.11.08 / 8am

I tried to send out the word through the Daily Oklahoman but haven’t heard back yet. I’ll be in Amarillo tonight and will join you in the morning, so just give me a call today. I’m recovering better than I thought from my ab strain so I’m up for 10 miles.

May Vukotich from San Diego, CA 07.11.08 / 8pm

Just wanted to let you know that my “Google” search came up with great press in Amarillo, TX. Just wanted to send some love and praise your way - I’m so proud of all of you.

Judy d'Albert 07.13.08 / 7am

May, could you post the link to Amarillo press, please? I Googled but did not find anything!

KEYE radio in Perryton will be streaming live from about 6am to 9am Central time on July 14. http://www.keye.net
Click 96.1 and click MyFM

I cannot get it on my Mac but maybe PC users can. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the folks in Shattuck and Waynoka, while not “official” stops will be cheering for The Run.

Soldiers’ Angels also now supports The Run, and they will be stepping up as the team comes through communities where they live. This contact comes through thanks to Carla for asking Patti who replied” We are always there for you. Yes we will spread the word.”Carla writes, “I blogged about the miles for Our Guys” http://somesoldiersmom.blogspot.com/2008/07/run-for-fallen.html

Trirlfloome 08.03.08 / 4am

Brilliant!

Dalhart, TX: July 10

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