Camp Lejeune is home to the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior barracks for the East Coast. I have even had the honor of working with a couple of them through work. Hope for the Warriors is a foundation that helps Active Duty service members and their families that have been adversely affected by injury or death in the line of duty. So a couple weeks ago when they sponsored a Run for the Warriors on base I knew I wanted to take part. There was only one problem- my knee.I was just as relieved as I was embarrassed to sign up for the one-mile "fun run" while most everyone else was signed up to run either the 5k or 10k. (as is stands right now I am not even able to run for three miles straight and be pain free) So I put my pride aside, and the one-mile fun run it was- besides, it was for a good cause. My friends Dave and George were running the 10k so I wished them luck and told them I'd be waiting for them at the finish line. Although it was only one mile, I immediately regretted my intake of alcohol the previous night. But hey- I was only running one mile, Dave and George had to feel like that for six! Maybe having a knee injury wasn't so bad after all.
Some of the wounded warriors from Lejeune took part in the opening ceremony for the race and those that were able walked the one mile course. Other disabled veterans took part in the 5k and 10k races on prosthetic legs and hand bikes. It was pretty remarkable to see their courage, and huge reality check for every time I have complained about my knee. These athletes were inspiring to say the least, and a reminder of what is being sacrificed for our freedom each and every day. When all was said and done, I was glad I woke up at 6 am on a Saturday to participate in such an amazing event.
George and Dave practicing their "crossing the finish line" look
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