May Newsletter

Hi Team! We hope that your training is going well and that you are out there enjoying the beautiful weather. Summer is almost here and that can only mean one thing, the 2013 race season is in full swing! May has been an exciting and fun-filled month for the Team so far! Here are some of the incredible things all of you have been up to!

Run To Home Base

Sebastian and Tracie Gallegos at Fenway

On Saturday May 4^th, Warrior Team member Sebastian Gallegos and his wife Tracie represented the Team at the Boston Red Sox Fenway Park in Boston, MA for the Run-Walk to Home Base.  The run was hosted by the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program to help and educate the community about combat stress and/or traumatic brain injury as we seek to mitigate the stigma and encourage veterans and their families to get the support and care they deserve. 

Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Half and Full Marathon

Warrior Team members Chris Claude, Len Lacina and Dean Suthard are ready to start the race.

 

On May 5, the Team hit the streets for the 2013 Pittsburgh Marathon weekend. Both runners and handcyclists participated in the races. Warrior Team member Len Lacina finished his first ever full marathon along with Warrior Team member Steve Siwulec who finished his very first half marathon! Chris Claude and Dean Suthard also handcycled the full marathon while representing the Team on the hilly course. Way to go, Team!

 

Warrior Team member Steve Siwulec and Team Director Jenlene Nowak pose for a quick picture before running the half.

 

TD Five Boro Bike Tour

Incredible Warrior Team and Community Team members at the finish.

 

While Team members were racing around Pittsburgh, more Team members were cycling the streets for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour! Both Community Team and Warrior Team members rode together during this 40 mile tour of the five boros of New York City. Edgardo Comulada, Freddie DeLosSantos and Nathan Cruz were among the Warrior Team members participating. A BIG thank you and congratulations to our Top Fundraisers Thomas Morales and Phil Knittel!

 

The Warrior Team heads to the start line.

 

2013 Warrior Games

From May 11 – May 16, some of our incredible Warrior Team members competed in the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, CO.

Some Team members reunite during dinner at the 2013 Warrior Games

More than 200 wounded service members and veterans  participated.  All five U.S. teams representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Special Operations, as well as one international team from the U.K. participated. Teams competed in seven sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting-volleyball, swimming, track and field and wheelchair basketball. Many of Team Hope For The Warriors® Warrior Team members medaled in their events!

SOCOM and Warrior Team member David Neumer gets some encouragement from fellow Team member Victor.

SOCOM and Warrior Team member Nathan Cruz is ready to start his race.



                 

Hope For The Warriors® is a proud sponsor of the 2013 Warrior Games Family Program. 

 

 



Warrior Team member Michael Politowicz and his wife Suzannah before the cycling competition at the Air Force Academy.

 

GORUCK Challenge

 GORUCK Challenge Class of 576

 

While the majority of the Team was sleeping soundly this Saturday morning, a brave few of our Team members were just starting out on their twelve hour GORUCK Challenge in New York. This intense challenge starting out at 1am, included challenges such as rucking, pushups and situps with a log! Not to mention, each Team member was already carrying a rucksack with bricks! To learn more about his incredible challenge, click here.



Team members rocking some pushups on the beach.

Team members taking the challenge into the water.

 8^th Annual Run For The Warriors®

Team Director Jenlene Nowak and Warrior Team members John and Colleen Rose

 

This past Saturday, the 8th Annual Run For The Warriors® Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-Mile Walk/Run took place in Jacksonville, NC. Through the generosity of longtime supporter Christian Haerter, a donation of a motorized handcycle was made. The gift was given to the Marine Corps and will reside in the Wounded Warrior Regiment for all to enjoy as a part of their Warrior Athlete Reconditioning Program.

Community Team member Scott Sunday completed the half with a weighted vest and elevation mask!

 

Some Incredible Warrior Team members are ready to get the race started.

Up Next

Memorial 100 Run

The fourth annual Memorial 100 Relay Run will begin early, Saturday May 25, at the Montauk Point Lighthouse, NY (the tip of Long Island)and ends on May 26 at Ground Zero, Lower Manhattan, New York.  

This 136 mile relay was organized by three Marines who deployed with 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment to Iraq in 2005. Their battalion was tasked with training the Iraqi Security Forces and conducting stability and security operations in and around the cities of Iraq's Al Anbar province. The unit lost 46 Marines and two Sailors during the course of the six month deployment, making it one of the largest unit sacrifices in the war.

To learn more about this incredible event, please click here.

Running and Swimming and Biking Oh My!

Have you been looking for triathlon to challenge yourself this summer? Look no further! Team Hope For The Warriors® has a couple great ones coming up!

Salute To The Military Tri
Sunday, May 26 – Warrenton, VA

All Hope For The Warriors® family and supporters get 30% off their registration with code: hfw30! It’s not too late to register for this exciting event. To join in on the fun, click here.

TriSlip Super Sprint Triathlon

Sunday June 16 – Bay Shore, NY

To join us for this super fun event at the beautiful Bay Shore Marina Park, please click here.

 

 

2013 Marine Corps Marathon Bibs

Don’t miss your opportunity to run with the Team in the Marine Corps Marathon! We have just a few more bibs/registrations available!  Not only will you get the incredible opportunity to run with the greatest Teammates around, but you will also have the chance to get to know them during a couple of fun Team festivities that weekend. There will be our delicious and fun pre-race dinner at Whitlows on Wilson. Our pre-race Team breakfast at the tent and our post-race pizza party after you finish! Bibs/registrations are going fast, hurry to grab them while you can! To register, please click here.

Text To Donate

Hey Team! Got a minute? Did you know that you can support our American heroes with just a simple little text?  Text the word WARRIORS to 20222 to donate $10 to Hope For The Warriors®! It’s easy, quick and fun! This is also a fun way to get your friends and family involved.

Community Team Member Highlight: Megan Schmidt

 

Hometown: “I'm originally from Long Island, but live in New York City.”

Occupation: “I am the Outreach Officer at the International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect, which is a network of organizations working to prevent mass atrocities throughout the world.”

How Did You Hear About Hope For The Warriors®?

“I first learned about Hope For The Warriors® through the New York Road Runners.  NYRR sent an email about organizations to run with, and Hope For The Warriors® was listed.  I clicked the link, learned about this great organization, and now proudly wear a Hope for the Warriors jersey when I race!”

What Made You Want To Join The Team?

“I find the mission and work of Hope For The Warriors® to be amazing because they are dedicated to providing support and assistance to our brave men and women in the armed forces and their families.  This is personal for me because my brother has been in the Marines Corps for 12+ years (he's a Gunnery Sergeant).  My family has felt both the pride and the worry that comes with having a member in the military, and so I especially appreciate the amazing work of this organization.”

What Is Your Favorite Thing About Being A Part Of The Team?

“The feeling that, even if it's just by running, I can do something to say thank you to our selfless and dedicated servicemen and women by supporting Hope For The Warriors®.”

What Races Did You Run Last Year?

“I ran a number of NYRR organized races of varying lengths, anything from 3 miles to a half-marathon, including: the Pride Run; Japan Day Run; Brooklyn Half; Bronx 10 miler; and Staten Island Half.”

What Is On Your Schedule This Year?

“This year I ran my first marathon ever, and on behalf of Hope For The Warriors®!!  This was the Rock ‘n’ Roll DC marathon.  While I haven't signed up for any other races yet (I was focusing so much on the marathon!), I'm hoping to fill up my calendar with a bunch.  I'm looking at the NYRR Pride Run again, Queens 10k, Staten Island Half, and want to find another marathon.  Also, I'm keeping my eyes open for any NYC based Hope For The Warriors® runs!”

What Keeps You Motivated During Long Runs?

“Good music is very helpful for me with long runs if I'm by myself.  I think the best motivator though is a running buddy.”

Do You Have Any Pre-Race Superstitions?

“I don't think so.  The only thing I do is completely prepare ahead of time by laying out my clothes, putting everything in my short pockets, preparing my shoes and bib, etc.  I can be a forgetful, so I try to be as ready as possible.” 

Megan is all smiles during her first marathon, the USA Nation's Capital Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.

What Do You Treat Yourself To After A Race?

“If I'm in NYC and run a longer race then I like to go to my favorite bar and get an order of hot wings and garlic fries to celebrate.  I know, not healthy and totally defeating the purpose of exercising, but it's become a bit of a tradition after I ran my first half a few years back.”

If You Could Run With Any Celebrity, Who Would It Be?

“Eddie Izzard!  I absolutely love his comedy and he ran over 40 marathons in seven weeks for charity, and has kept up the running since.  Plus, since he's absolutely hilarious, I think would make for a great running buddy!”

What Is On Your Running Playlist Right Now?

“I typically run with my iPod on speaker and recently have been playing Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Florence and the Machine, and the Black Keys a lot.  There are a few major hills that I have to run towards the end of my route, and I always blast the remix of 'Let's Get Married' by Jagged Edge, featuring Run DMC.  It gets me pumped.  I must admit, though, that I'll run to the likes of Britney Spears and Carley Rae Jepsen if I have headphones in my ears.” 

Have You Always Been A Runner?

“No.  I started running at the end of high school, but I feel like saying 'running' is exaggerating what it really was.  I think the first time I ever went out, I ran maybe a half of a mile and then walked for a bit.  It was huge for me when I was able to run a mile all the way through!  And I've stuck with it.” 

What Has Been Your Favorite Race? Why?

“My favorite race was running the Pride Run the day after New York voted in favor of marriage equality.  The mood at the race was just amazing and it was a historic moment for our state.”  

What Race Is On Your Bucket List?

“I don't have a specific race, but I want more than anything to run a marathon with my brother on behalf of Hope For The Warriors®.” 

What Do You Think About During Runs Or Workouts? Do You Work Out Problems, Daydream, Sing Songs, Or Just Zone Out?

“I either totally space out and am just looking around at what's around me, or I find myself working out things in my head.  I have my best ideas for work or school (I'm working on my MA thesis now!) when I'm running.”  

Anything Else You Would Like To Add?

“I would just really recommend to pick up running for people who haven't yet.  It's such a great way to see your city or town, explore new places, and challenge yourself.  Plus you can go with friends, or get some 'me' time.  And you can support Hope for the Warriors by doing it!!”

 

 

Community Team Member Highlight: Eben Wilson

Hometown: “I Currently live in Elizabeth City, NC”   

Occupation:  Coast Guard, Active Duty

How Did You Hear About Hope For The Warriors®?

“I began my search 2 years ago for a well performing, veteran-oriented charity. Found Hope For The Warriors® after seeing that there was an office at Camp Lejeune (a previous duty station).”

What Made You Want To Join The Team?

“I wanted to help in what way I could. I’m not much of a runner, but I love to ride a bike.”

What Is Your Favorite Thing About Being A Part Of The Team?

 “I’m not into competitive sports, and never have been. However, I don’t believe that the spirit of competition holds the corner on a person’s ability to boost a charity. By riding cross-country, I’m not setting any records. I’m not breaking new grounds. I am doing something a little bit different, though. I’ve chosen to struggle in my own uncommon way, by breaking away from my normal life and taking on the curious hardships that come with travelling without all the special comforts of home. Not unlike a far-off deployment involving the hauling of gear and setting up a bivouac.”

What Races Did You Cycle Last Year?

“Last year, I completed a solo, unsupported ride along the North Line Trace, one of North Carolina’s longest marked cycling routes across the state. It took 8 days and took me across mountain foothills, piedmont, and coastal plains.”

 

 

Can You Tell Us A Little More About Your Ride Across North Carolina? Who or What Inspired You?

“I began riding several years ago when I was faced with foot pain brought about by running. As I was new to biking, I tried road cycling with the local club and felt pressed to exertion without the enjoyment of my surroundings. I then tried longer distances at a slower pace. I became hooked on the feeling of accomplishment at making a bike ride out of something normal people would only attempt with a car.”

“So, as a goose flies in ever-greater circles, so did I when biking. Touring was the natural result.

"This ride across the state will be my longest yet, and it’ll involve a combination of overnight stays at parks, yards, hotels and hopefully not ditches.I am pedaling across North Carolina. This time the ride is on the longest route eastward across North Carolina known as “Mountains-to-Sea”, which begian in Murphy, NC, and ends in Manteo, NC. I’m blogging about it as I go on www.crazyguyonabike.com/Ebbonified”

What Keeps You Motivated During Long Runs/Rides?

“I feel energized when I stop and see something I haven’t before. There is something cool about being in an unfamiliar area and realizing just what it takes to get home from it. I haven’t yet been so bummed as to feel like quitting a ride for something in my mind. Part of what keeps me going is this: when I do consider what it takes to quit, I think of the trouble that others would have to go through to get me back home. Just that alone is enough to change my mind.”

Do You Have Any Pre-Race Superstitions?

“Not really. I don’t really have any ‘lucky’ habits or things I do to make things go better for me. I do make a point to make sure my wife and kids know that I love them before I head out.”

Eben sets up camp along his ride across North Carolina.

What Do You Treat Yourself To After A Race?

“Something rich in salt and fat. Lots of carbs, too.”

If You Could Run/Cycle With Any Celebrity, Who Would It Be?

“Jeremy Clarkson from “Top Gear”. That man just needs a bicycle ride really really bad”

What Is On Your Cycling  Playlist Right Now?

“Some talky podcasts, video game music with a driving beat, dubstep tunes, Johnny Cash, Chicago, Jimmy Buffett, and some My Little Pony fan music (yes, that too is entertaining).”  

Have You Always Been A Cyclist?

“I rode a lot when I was a teenager, but just started riding again about 4 years ago.”

What Has Been Your Favorite Race? Why?

“I did a 200 kilometer brevet with the Louisiana chapter of Randonneurs USA several years back and had a blast. There was lots of rain and flooded roads.  It was the longest single stretch I had ever done and I have yet to out-do it. 200k = 124 miles.”

What Race Is On Your Bucket List?

“I’d like to cycle across the USA before I become too old or too unhealthy to do it. It’d be nice to see all the sights I can see across the country from the slow pace and vantage point of a bicycle (or tricycle, in my case)”

 

 

Community Team Member Highlight: Karla Malone and her Dragon Boat Racing Team

How Did You Find Out About Hope For The Warriors®?  I

“I was wandering through the Marine Corps Marathon Expo in 2010 and saw their booth.  The shirt drew me in first, and then when I talked with the Hope For The Warriors® representative at the booth I knew I wanted to be a part of the Team.”

What Inspired You To Join The Team?

“The first thing was being able to give back to the heroes who sacrifice so much to keep us free.  Both my children have served in the military along with my dad and brother. The next thing that drew me in was the athletic program.  My love is to be able to train wounded soldiers to get back into athletics.”

What Has Been You Favorite Thing About Being On The Team So Far?

“Giving back to the veterans.  I love when someone comes up to me and asks me what Hope For The Warriors® is, what it’s about and how they can get involved.” 

Can You Tell Us A little More About Dragon Boat Racing? 

“Dragon boat competitions have been around for 20 centuries throughout southern China. It became an international sport in 1976. A dragon boat is powered by 20 paddlers, and also has a steers person and drummer. Tampa is becoming the hotbed for dragon boat racing. Several camps are held in the spring before the racing season begins.”

Can You Tell Us A Little More About Your Race On April 27th?  
“On April 27th, the dragon boat races are being held in downtown Tampa in conjunction with the Asian festival. It is an all-day event. The first race is for time to determine which division you are in A, B, C, or D.  Each division will have medals for 1, 2 and 3 places.”

How Long Have You Been A Dragon Boat Racer?

“I have been dragon boating for 3 years.”

What Motivates You During Your Races? 

“I love competing, whether it is dragon boating, triathlons, 5K’s or half marathons. I love the physical endurance and pushing each muscle to go a little faster and farther to reach the finish line first. To walk away with the gold medal knowing we worked hard and earned it.”

How Many Members Are On Your Team?

“I have 20 members on the team.”

Do They Each Have Specific Duties On The Boat?

“The boat has the two people in front who are the strokers who set the pace for the other paddlers; the middle of the boat is the engine. Each person is an intricate part of the team. The boat needs to have equal weight on each side of the boat.”

How Can Other Team Members In Your Area Get Involved In Dragon Boat Racing?

“Other team members in Tampa can contact me at malone.karla@gmail.com if they are interested in getting involved. Annual dues are a nominal fee of 115.00.”

Can Other Team Hope For The Warriors® Member Join Your Team?

“Absolutely! We welcome new members and encourage them to keep going.  Anyone is welcome to join the club. You can go to www.tampabaypaddlingclub.com to see more.  It is important to RSVP for a practice because seats fill fast in race season.”

April Newsletter

Hi Team! We hope that your training is going well and that you are out there enjoying the beautiful weather. Spring is finally here and that means race season has begun! April is a big training month for the Team’s race filled May. Here are some great happenings and exciting events coming up! 

2013 Marine Corps Marathon Registration

The Marine Corps Marathon sold out in record time, but we still have a few bibs left! Don’t miss your opportunity to run with us for the highly anticipated Marine Corps Marathon! This event makes for an exciting and super weekend for the Team! There will be an official Team pre-race dinner, an awesome breakfast with the greatest teammates at the Tent and a celebratory pizza party once you cross the finish line!  Hurry! Bibs are going fast! To register for this incredible race,  click here.

2013 Warrior Games

Some of our incredible Warrior Team members will be competing in the 2013 Warrior Games this May 11-16 in Colorado Springs, CO.

More than 200 wounded service members and veterans are expected to participate next month.  There will be five U.S. teams representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Special Operations, as well as one international team from the U.K.  Teams will compete in seven sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting-volleyball, swimming, track and field and wheelchair basketball.

Hope For The Warriors® is a proud sponsor of the 2013 Warrior Games Family Program. 

8^th Annual Run For The Warriors®

The 8^th Annual Run For The Warriors® Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-Mile Walk/Run will take place in Jacksonville, NC on Saturday, May 18, 2013. This event is always very special to the Hope For The Warriors® family but this year, it will hold another very special place in our hearts. This year, the 8^th Annual Run For The Warriors® race will be held in honor of Rick Leipold, our beloved adaptive equipment specialist who we lost last month. We will honor Rick throughout the weekend of events to celebrate and honor his incredible dedication and support of our wounded service members.

To register for this incredible race, please click here.

Team Events Coming Up

Pittsburgh Half and Full Marathon, May 4-5 (Sold Out)

 TD 5 Boro Bike Tour, May 5 (Sold Out)

 Carl Hart Mother’s Day Duathlon, May 12

To register, please click here.

 Salute To The Military Sprint Triathlon, May 26

All Hope For The Warriors® family and supporters get 30% off their registration with code: hfw30! To register for this exciting event, please click here.

 GORUCK Presents: War Stories and Free Beer

Are you in the Washington D.C. area? Check out this incredible event, GORUCK Presents: War Stories and Free Beer on April 25th at 7p.m.

Over a decade since 9/11, still too little is known about what it means to serve in a time of war.  War Stories and Free Beer encourages veterans to share their stories with those interested in learning more. Tickets are only $10. All proceeds from War Stories and Free Beer ticket sales go to non-profits and charities chosen by the speakers.

To purchase your ticket, please click here.

Volunteer and Community Team member Highlight: Julie and Massie Fox

To  see what motivates and inspires two of the Team’s most incredible volunteers, please click here.

Quick Friendly Reminder About Sponsor Donations

We can’t thank you enough for all of your hard work and dedication to fundraising for our American heroes! We want to make sure that every dollar of your efforts reflects directly on your personal fundraising page. Make sure to encourage donors to go directly to your fundraising page by either following the link you provide to them or by having them look you up under the “Sponsor A Participant” tab for the event you are participating in with us.  By doing this, it will ensure that their generous donation is instantly reflected in your fundraising goal and counts toward your fundraising minimum.  If your donors choose to donate to the general organization but want the donation to be credited to you, please let them know they will need to write your name and the event you are participating in the memo of the check they send in or in the notes section of the general donation area on our website so that you get credit for the donation.

For more information, including where to send check donations, please visit our FAQ page.

 Memorial 100 Benefit

Volunteer and Community Team Member Highlight: Julie and Massie Fox

Julie and Massie dazzle while volunteering for the 2013 Got Heart Give Hope Gala

What Inspired You To Volunteer With The Team?

Massie:  “The fact that it helped veterans and their families.  It was a great way to support them as I participated in something I loved, running.”

Julie:  “I liked their mission, and I wanted to join so that I could help in whatever way I could.”

Which Race Has been Your Favorite To Date?  Why?

Massie: “The Marine Corps Historic Half because it was my first with the Team.”

Julie:  “Run for the Dream 8K in Williamsburg, VA, because of the nostalgia from running through colonial Williamsburg; also, because my husband did it with me.”

What Would You Say To Someone Who Is Interested In Volunteering With The Team?

Massie:  “It is a great experience and it makes you feel great!”

Julie: “It’s very rewarding when you go to the races and you see the people that Hope For The Warriors® has helped."

What Is Your Favorite Thing About Volunteering With The Team? 

Massie & Julie:  “The comradery and the positive outlook of the Team members." 

Massie and Julie celebrate at the Team tent after the Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

How Did You Hear About Hope for the Warriors®?

Massie & Julie:  “The Hope For The Warriors® booth at the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon."

What Made You Want To Join The Team?

Massie: “The opportunity to help other veterans.”

Julie:  “I liked their cause and I could join a team where I didn’t feel the obligation to fundraise all the time.  It was great to know that I could wear the jersey and still bring awareness to their cause.”

What Races Did You Run Last Year?

Massie:  “The DC Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon, Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, The Flying Pirate 5K and Half Marathon, Nashville Rock N Roll Half Marathon, Run for the Dream 8K and Half Marathon, Charlottesville 10 Miler, Virginia Beach Rock N Roll Half Marathon, Army 10 Miler and the Looking for Trouble 5K.”

Julie:  “The Cherry Blossom 5K, The Flying Pirate 5K, Nashville Rock N Roll 5K, Run for the Dream 8K, Virginia Beach Rock N Roll Half Marathon, Army 10 Miler, Freedom 5K in Norfolk, VA, Looking for Trouble 5K and the Christmas Town Dash 8K.” 

Julie and Massie pose for a quick picture in their Team gear. 

What Is On Your Schedule This Year?

Massie & Julie: “Looking for Trouble 5K, Saint Charles Festival 5K, Parkway Classic 10 Miler, Run for the Dream 8K and Half Marathon, Run for the Dream 8K and Half Marathon, Historic Half Marathon in Fredericksburg, VA, Virginia Beach Rock N Roll Half Marathon, Freedom Half Marathon and 5K, Christmas Town Dash 8K,  Philadelphia Rock N Roll Half Marathon.”

What Keeps You Motivated During Your Long Runs?

Massie:  “All the different people I get to meet and see; enjoying the beautiful landscape.”

Julie: “To achieve my goal, that’s it; fellow Team members too, they help you get through the tough moments.”

Do You Have Any Pre-race Superstitions?

Massie:  “I don’t have any superstitions, or traditions, but I do tend to lie out all of my gear the night before the race.  I like to put my bib on my shorts the night prior.”

Julie:  “I have none. I get up and go.”

What Do You Treat Yourself To After a Race?

Massie:  “A free beer and a big juicy burger.”

Julie:  “Same thing and chocolate milk if available.”

If You Could Run With Any Celebrity, Who Would It Be?

Massie:  “I’ve already ran twice with Drew Carey.”

Julie: “Princess Diana if she was still alive and (pauses) Jon Bon Jovi.”

Massie: “Oh since we are going there. (laughs)”

Julie:  “Kelly Ripa, Cher, Bette Midler, and Gary Sinese.”

Massie:  “Micah True”

Massie and Julie celebrate at the Team tent after the 2012 Army Ten-Miler 

What Is On Your Running Playlist Right Now?

Massie:  “I don’t run with music, I enjoy talking with other runners.”

Julie:  “Adam Lambert, Jon Bon Jovi, Cher and Bette Midler.”

Have You Always Been A Runner? 

Massie:  “I was a runner in high school but once I joined the military, I stopped.  I started training again about three years ago.”

Julie:  “I didn’t run, until I joined the military.  Then I stopped running after my second child, and then started again when my children were both in college, about twenty years later.”

What Race Is On Your Bucket List? Why?

Massie:  “The New York City Half Marathon, since I was young, I have always wanted to run around Central Park.  Also, the diverse group of runners and fans is intriguing.”

Julie:  “I would love to race in New York City. I don’t, per say, have a bucket list.  I plan to do races with Massie, but I don’t, necessarily, have any races I must participate.”

Community Team Member Highlight: Bob Garbett

Hometown: Richlands, NC

Occupation: Pastor and Criminal Justice Training Manager

Team Hope For The Warriors® Member Since: 2012

How Did You Hear About Hope For The Warriors®?

“The Run held at Camp Lejeune, NC in 2009”

What Made You Want To Join The Team?

“It was a way to honor the sacrifice our service members who have given so much.” 

What Races Did You Run Last Year?

“The Myrtle Beach Half Marathon, The Cherry Point Half, The Oak Island Lighthouse Half, the Run For the Warriors® Half, the Palmetto and Colonial 70 mile relays, the Neuse River Bridge Half and a few 5 K’s. One of those was the North Carolina Justice Academy Run Like You’re Guilty 5K, which was done to raise money for the Hope For the Warriors®.”

What Races Are On Your Calendar This Year?

“So far I’ve done the Myrtle Beach Marathon and the Gator Trail 50K. I’ve got a couple local 5K fundraisers, and the Oak Island Lighthouse Half Marathon, Run For the Warriors® Half, the Colonial 70 Relay and at least one more half and maybe a full in the fall.”

What Motivates You During Long Runs?

“I have some great friends who run with me and when I run alone, I just enjoy the gift of being out there – wherever that happens to be.”

Have You Always Been A Runner?

“I first started running while in the Marine Corps, then got slack. I had a heart attack in 2009 and thank God, there was no damage to my heart; however, it woke me up to get active again. I had signed up for the Hope For the Warriors® 5K that year. That was about 6 weeks after my heart attack and I had to walk it, but I did it.”

Do You Have Any Pre-Race Superstitions Or Rituals?

“Nah. I pray, before, during and after (especially the long runs).”

What Has Been Your Favorite Race You Have Ran? Why?

“I think my favorite would have to be the Colonial 70 mile relay. The camaraderie and the challenge of running as a apart of a team.”

What Is On Your Running Playlist Right Now?

“I’ve got everything from TobyMac and Mandissa to Boston and The Who, along with Nuttin’ But Stringz and some bagpipe music. It’s pretty diverse.”

Is There A Race That You Have On Your Dream Bucket List?

“I think the Marine Corps Marathon would have to be there.  Maybe one day.” 

What Has Been Your Favorite Thing About Being Part Of The Team?

“The support of the staff and others at the races.” 

What Would You Say To Encourage Your Teammates?

“I would just like to encourage everyone to keep setting goals and keep pushing for that next mile. Whether you run 1 mile fun runs, 5k’s or marathons, you’re still a runner – enjoy it.”