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Marathoners in Iraq Honor Fallen Comrades

By Spc. Daniel Bearl  

When military men and women die in service to their country, it is always a painful blow to their friends, coworkers and units. But the real tragedy persists as the families of the fallen must survive not only the loss of a loved one, but the long term emotional and financial strain that comes with it.

Runners in the Honolulu Marathon in Iraq who raced on behalf of a fallen service member wore t-shirts to show their support for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. The organization provides services for surviving family members and friends of military men and women who have died serving their country.

On Dec. 10, many service members deployed to Iraq took to the streets to help those most profoundly affected by the loss of their comrades. As they struggled through the 26.2 miles of the Honolulu Marathon in Iraq, many of the military men and women participated in a fundraiser for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors by running on behalf of one of the many Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

TAPS assists survivors by providing services to surviving families of deceased military members such as peer support, counseling and education.

The fundraiser connected with the Honolulu Marathon in Iraq generated nearly $23,000 in donations.

For many of the runners, the chance to honor a fallen service member was the most meaningful part of participating in the marathon.

"Just to honor someone's memory means a lot," said 1st Lt. Clayton O. Carpenter, of 3-25 Aviation, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. "This is my first deployment and everything and I can only imagine what the family has gone through losing someone so close to them. Just to be able to run in his name means a lot."

Carpenter ran the race in memory of Capt. Blake Russell, who was killed in Baghdad earlier this year.

"I think it's a great thing to do to remember the survivors," said 1st Lt. Tracy L. Gordon, of 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion Headquarters Company, 82nd Airborne Division. "You know, people give their lives every day and I think it's a great thing to do just to show that you care."

Gordon ran in memory of Staff Sgt. Todd E. Nunes, who was killed in Kirkuk, Iraq, in 2004.

The families of the honored fallen also showed appreciation for the runners' participation in the fundraiser.

"What an honor to our family," wrote Norma Melo in a letter to Staff Sgt. Jaime Pieniazek, of 3-25 Aviation, 25th CAB, 25th ID, who ran for her husband, Staff Sgt. Julian S. Mello, who was killed in Mosul, Iraq, in 2004. "TAPS has helped our family in so many ways that I cannot begin to tell you the feeling of family that is given to survivors."

A list of the runners and the fallen comrades they represented is available at the Web site http://www.taps.org/marathon/honolulu.aspx, along with links to make donations to the program.

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