Jessie Heath
camplejeuneglobe.com
You Can't Stop a Marine.
The original 18 runners make their way across the finish line at Liberty State Park in New Jersey, June 22, 1985. Twenty-six years later, a group of combat veterans and wounded warriors are preparing to retrace the footsteps of their brothers in arms by running from New Jersey to North Carolina to raise funds for the Semper Fi Fund, the Wounded Warrior Regiment and the Wounded Warrior Project.
“It was 1985 and there were no cell phones, computers or global positioning systems at our disposal,” David English joked. “What we had was a road map, a caravan of cars and a group of Marines and corpsmen who were dedicated to running 610 miles from Camp Geiger to Jersey City.”
English, a former Marine, had no idea that the 610-mile route he designed in 1985 to raise money for the Statue of Liberty Restoration Project would turn into a legacy. All he knew was that he had time on his hands and the Marine Corps had taught him how to run.
With 18 other Marines and three corpsmen, all from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, $1,400 in the bank and a camper attached to the back of a truck, English set out to accomplish his mission of raising money for the Lady Liberty.
The run began at 10 a.m. June 19, 1985, when a group of six Marines left the gate of Marine Corps Base Camp Geiger and started to make their way North. Clutching small American flags in their hands and running in front of a black car, with only a few supporters to see them off, the group had no idea the affect their trip would have.
Broken into three relay teams, comprised of six men each, the group started their slow and steady pace toward Jersey City. Each relay team took a 25 to 30-mile stretch of road, with each runner jogging four to six miles before they could rest.
Through exhaustion, rain, heat, wind and darkness, they ran for four days straight. How did they do it? English had no answers. All he knows is that somewhere along the way, word got out. Word spread like wildfire, and when they started the last stretch of their run, with all runners in two lines, they were greeted by hundreds of people, waving flags, cheering them on and leading them to the finish line – Flag Plaza, Liberty State Park, New Jersey.
“We started with so little publicity and so little funds, but by the time we got to Jersey City, we had $5,000 and the run had turned into something really good,” said English. “We finished because you can’t stop a Marine.”
Now, 26 years later, their route is being retraced. The Honor – Courage – Commitment run, named for the Marine Corps core values, will follow the footsteps of the original runners in an effort to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project and the Wounded Warrior Regiment.
“Every penny we raise is going straight back to organizations that are grassroots groups, like the Wounded Warriors and the Semper Fi Fund,” said English. “We picked those organizations because we can really see where the funds are going, we can see how they are being used and we can watch them at work.”
The group of runners will start their trek at the Purple Heart Memorial in Jersey City, April 16, and head south along the coastline until they reach the Beirut Memorial, April 21. With every historical step, the meaning of their journey will be seeped in American history and pride. Upon their arrival at the Beirut Memorial, the runners will take part in a commemoration ceremony and a wreath presentation.
“This is an opportunity for us to bridge a generation gap,” explained English. “All our original runners were affected by what happened in Beirut and this is a chance to bridge the gap between what happened then and what these young warriors are experiencing now.
“Back then, they called it shell shocked,” English continued. “That’s what they said. We didn’t have a lot of support when we came home, and I want to make sure that never happens again. That’s what this run is about – supporting our wounded warriors and helping our young generation of veterans as they return.”
English admits that he didn’t realize what a large undertaking the original run was going to be until he was already on the road, trying to deal with the challenges the relay teams were facing.
“We ran through all kinds of weather that week,” English said. “We got to Newark and actually lost Max Dominguez and he had to run around the city for several hours at night without any idea where the rest of the group was. Eventually, we all found each other again. The whole trip was magical and funny like that.”
With help from the Jersey City Police Marines Association, English has created a careful collection of route notes for the runners to use to keep them from getting lost. With the invention of cell phones, computers and GPS devices, along with the notes English kept from the original run, the route has been carefully orchestrated every step of the way.
“When we started reaching out to wounded warriors who wanted to participate, we had to make sure we had everything in place,” said English. “We couldn’t just stick them out on the road like we did the first time. We’ve taken special considerations and safety measures, and we’ve set things up in a way that their case workers don’t have to worry about them while they’re running.”
Wounded warriors who are taking part in the event will be paired with another runner, to ensure safety and protection, as well as boost camaraderie and unity. While 26 years have passed since the original Liberty Run Group made their journey north, the spirit, determination and dedication of the runners involved in the original run is mirrored in those who are planning to take part in the Honor - Courage - Commitment run.
“It’s been really great to see these young wounded warriors so energized about this run,” said English. “It reminds me of how excited we were and it helps me look forward to running this course again, alongside them.”
English, who has been preparing to run the course for the second time, said that this time around, it’s about the men and women he’ll be running beside.
“I wasn’t on board with this unless we had young Marines participating, because they are the ones we are doing this for,” said English. “They’re the ones who make this worthwhile.”
With Marines and combat veterans from multiple areas across the East Coast energized about their upcoming trip, English is looking forward to one particular aspect of the trip, more than anything else.
“We were a band of brothers,” said English, referring to the Liberty Run Group. “There’s a lot you can talk about while you’re running and I can’t wait to talk to these young Marines. They are hard-charging kids and it’s an honor to run with them and hear their stories.”
In keeping with the crowd that met the Liberty Run Group when they arrived in Jersey City, a large group will be waiting to cheer on the runners as they cross the finish line in Jacksonville in April. As the event grew and word spread to local businesses and organizations, English received a call from Rolling Thunder Inc. Chapter 5 out of Hubert, N.C., asking what they could do to help.
After several conversations with chapter president Paul Levesque, the Chrome and Fire Salute took shape. As the runners approach the Beirut Memorial, April 21, bikers will be waiting on both sides of the road. As the group of runners passes every bike, the motorcyclists will fire their engines.
“This is going to be a really big thing for us to see take shape,” said English. “It’s going to be a big moment, full of noise and meaning for every person in attendance.”
Online registration for the Fire and Chrome Salute is open to the public and English hopes to see it gain popularity as the run draws closer. Individuals can also choose to sponsor runners along the way or donate to the cause online. In addition to the Fire and Chrome Salute and the wreath presentation, a concert for the benefit of the Wounded Warrior Project will take place April 21 at 5 p.m.
“We have lots of things happening to get people involved,” said English. “Now, we’re ready to see it fall into place and help the members of the younger generation.”
For more information on the Honor-Courage-Commitment Run, or to sponsor a runner, visit http://www.lrmg.org/. For more information on the Wounded Warrior Project, visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.
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A heart felt mission, a group of determined Marines, and one very special Lady. This group of motivated Marines set out to help a worthy cause. How far will a Marine go to impress a lady? 610 Miles..... So far.
Marines Save the Lady VIDEO - http://youtu.be/C_yDp00ZrBo
