Never Forget.
On October 8, 2017, I will be participating in the Army Ten Miler in support of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). TAPS provides direct support to Gold Star families. These families have lost the most important thing in their lives. The fallen fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters made the ultimate sacrifice for us; the least we can do is show up to support those they left behind. TAPS provides comfort and care to families 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Many of the runners on Team TAPS will be running in honor of a fallen hero. I will be running in honor of Sgt. Michael Peek.
In May of this year, I was with John at a memorial ceremony in Arlington Cemetary, Section 60, where those who perished in the Global War on Terror are laid to rest. Afterwards, there was a basket of names and grave locations; I took a scoop of names and set off with flowers and stones. Although I knew this would be the case, I was immediately struck that every grave I visited was for someone my age. I was stopped in my tracks at the grave of Army Sgt. Michael Peek -- we shared a birthday.
Sgt. Peek was killed by an IED in Iraq on March 3, 2007, leaving behind his family and fiance -- a week before his wedding day. Sgt. Peek enlisted after September 11, just months after we both graduated from high school. When a friend shared my Facebook post on her blog, Sgt. Peek's sister saw it, and we ended up in touch with each other. She is following in his footsteps and also serves our great nation. I am humbled that I can do something so small in his honor and hopefully help other Gold Star families.
The funds I raise will flow directly into TAPS programming which supports these families through an amazing network of resources, seminars and publications. TAPS provides these services at no charge to survivors from all branches of the service, including Reserves and National Guard. TAPS’ programs and services are available not only for immediate family, but also for extended family and friends. TAPS has a 95.6 score (out of 100) by charity navigator.
Please help me honor our fallen heroes by supporting me in this effort. No donation is too big or too small. And, if you want to run with me, I will gladly take the moral support (or come join my team!).
Thank you!
Laura
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