MILITARY MISSIONS, INC.

Does it ever seem like most people have forgotten about the sacrifices made by our military?  Perhaps we haven’t completely forgotten, but do most of us ponder this reality very often?  Most of us prefer not to go there with our thoughts.  It’s just too hard.  Jonathan Koshy, a sixteen year old student from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington, Kentucky, noticed the lack of attention and concern for our fallen heroes. 

Jonathan doesn’t have a family member currently serving in the military, but he has enough sense to realize that he lives in a free country.  He realizes that he has rights and privileges because of the many that willingly stand in the gap for each of us on a daily basis.  His parents have done a remarkable job of teaching their children about this great nation’s history and those that have fought to make this American Dream a reality for the rest of us.  Jonathan wanted to do something to make a difference and raise awareness in the Lexington community.  In his search for a way to bring the sacrifice of our military and their families to our attention, he came across the Run for the Fallen

What is Run for the Fallen? Beginning on Flag Day, June 14, 2008, a dedicated team of runners ran across America from Fort Irwin, California, to Arlington National Cemetery.  Runners traveled one mile for every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, and Marine killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Runners kept the memories of fallen heroes alive and raised awareness for support organizations that help wounded veterans and family members of those that have been killed.

For ten weeks, team members marked each mile with an American flag and sign card in an apolitical reflection of remembrance of each service member.  On Sunday, August 24, 2008, the team reached the gates of Arlington National Cemetery and honored all fallen service members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.  All Americans were encouraged to join the team on August 24, and run one mile to honor those who have fought, and those who have fallen under the American flag.  Participants in all 50 states will post combined mileage on Run for the Fallen’s website at http://runforthefallen.org/.

Jonathan Koshy organized Run for the Fallen here in Lexington.  Many gathered at Beaumont Centre on the afternoon of August 24, along with other cities all across our nation.  Veterans, military parents, friends, families, and a Gold Star Mother joined together to run in honor of Kentucky’s fallen heroes. The weather was hot and sticky, which made the run more challenging, but for those of us who participated, we were proud to do just a little something to thank those who made the ultimate sacrifice for each of us.