Day 6: Joshua Tree to 29 Palms
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
Heartfelt thanks for this poignant first hand account, Don. Those of us who live near the high desert and have come to love the wilde open space and sky can only imagine the connection you must have felt with all the fallen soldiers today. I sure hope all their families are following this. Good to hear that word is getting out along the highway ahead and hope my contact with Tom and Heather in Sedona pays off with a rip roaring Arizona welcome.
Judy
Thanks for the writeup, Col Tolbert. I lived in Twentynine Palms as a kid in the 50’s – in town (both houses still there) and on the base in the original officers quarters, now gone. I can picture the route you ran, and thank you both for honoring the fallen and supporting the RFTF. I am sorry for your being “amazed” at “civilians honoring our fallen,” though. The national press does not show it much, but there truly are a lot of civilians across the country who are more “tuned in” than you might think. It is hard sometimes to find a way to communicate to the members of the military family when you aren’t right there – towns near bases can make various gestures; but vast numbers of people live their daily lives pretty much insulated from both the casualties and the impact on families. I come across a lot, though, who certainly DO pay attention, and DO care, despite not being readily visible to the military community. I hope this Run brings out more and more of those as it progresses.
Don C, Wheaton, Il.
http://www.Zeitlangers.com
Col. Tolbert and Don,
Thank you for your heartfelt and thoughtful comments.
The description of the run by Col. Tolbert, and especially mentioning each individual fallen service member and each member of the RFTF team is very personal and appreciated. I will not attempt to imagine your feelings at the moment.
Don is correct in pointing out that there are so many of us nonmilitary that remain dedicated to the memory of the fallen. As a parent, I cannot comprehend the loss of a daughter or son.
As you both appreciate, this is apolitical, it is about the fallen, and I suspect, will be much about the families attempting to heal. The national press matters not.
I understand that there are a number of military personnel joining the Run, and hopefully even more civilians will discover this mission.
Thank you both for your participation, your comments, and your commitment.
Peter C. Janes, MD
Breckenridge, CO
Yes, you were running with my son. and I can only thank you. Perhaps we could meet in Washington, August 24th?
Lets not forget about the majority of our Fallen Heroes Families, http://www.FamiliesUnitedMission.com . This is a Nation wide Fallen Hero Family organization & 501c3.
I am a Gold Star Father.
Father of a Fallen Hero,
Texas Representative,
Families United,
Gary W. Qualls
Thank you for running to honor our son Capt. Christopher J Kenny on Fri 27th June. He was a proud graduate of The Citadel in Chaleston SC . His Dad and I walked 2.5miles at Cocoa Beach. and we will do it again on 24thAug . Sincerely, Jackie and Jim Kenny
Some of our Gold Star Families in Wisconsin will be running on the 24th of August in memory of their Fallen, but we are honored to run for all the Fallen.
Our prayers are with you and we also pray for a light gentle periodic rain to cleanse you as you run.
We’re behind you.
The WI Gold Star Families
Beinmg There-Raaching Out, Inc.