RUN FOR SOMETHING

As a soldier, my husband came close to death twice.  Once in 1995 while serving in Bosnia and again in 1998 during a serious combat related accident.  As a military wife, I can’t begin to explain the continual sacrifices my husband gives for his country on top of the continual pain he’s in 24/7.  Unfortunately there are thousands of soldiers much worse off than he, such as two soldiers who recently returned to Germany from Iraq:  one had his legs blown off and another has only one arm intact on a stumped body.  If that vision feels difficult to realize, imagine serving for your country in the name of freedom and duty and loosing everything.  Though not all soldiers loose limbs, they often times loose things just as important: wives/husbands, families, support systems, health, jobs and sanity to name a few.  This is the reality of the wounded soldier few want you to see but you must to understand why military service members need more support from American citizens.

Luis and Marco Echeverry are two brothers who say have “helped each other get through the toughest of times”.  Not everyone has the luxury of such a support system.  They’ve gotten together again to help another’s “toughest times” by sponsoring RUN FOR SOMETHING, a 26-mile fundraiser marathon where proceeds will go to one fortunate solider so s/he can get the financial support needed to pay for some of the medical care or other needed financial supplements President Bush wants you to believe the government is paying for.

We all talk about making a difference but few have the courage to do it.  I feel passionate about partaking in RUN FOR SOMETHING.  My pledge is moderate but I’m pledging and I really think that if you are an American and value the freedom you have (never mind it’s on a titter-tatter with the current administration), a soldier helped you get it.  In fact, I believe it really is your responsibility as an American citizen to do something more than vote for president to make a difference for those who have helped secure the freedom you enjoy.  It’s one thing to vote in an election where you’re promised change.  It’s another when you have two men working to make a change right here, right now, no bullshit, no false promises, no eloquent speeches of hope or ability and no political jazz.  They’re the kind of Americans I’m proud to support because they decided to RUN FOR SOMETHING and that something is, as a great friend of mine said, “for a damn good cause”.

I’ve been taught that America is a country created for the people by the people.  I don’t see that motto a reality as often as I’d like yet Marco and Luis are proving that “the people” can do more good than those in power.  Right now, you have an opportunity to make a positive difference and I strongly urge you to make a monetary pledge for each mile (26 total) Luis and Marco will run in their RUN FOR SOMETHING marathon.

I dislike military life but at the same time, ironically, its very foundation is built on keeping the freedom I talk so much about.  Freedom to a gal born in an ex-communist country is so valuable that I hope to somehow create a change so many only promise.  For now this is the only way I can help but it feels good to do something just because it feels right.

I commend Luis and Marco from Driven Fit out of Tampa, Florida and their RUN FOR SOMETHING marathon drive.  They say even a penny per mile helps but seriously folks, 26 cents doesn’t go far these days.  Pledge a dollar minimum.  I think we can all give up a few Starbuck’s coffee drinks, a few mags or that CD we’ve been eyeing and fund a wounded soldier instead. I’m going to make a financial sacrifice my pocketbook can live with.  Will you?  What’s a wounded soldier’s difficulties worth?  Surely we can all pledge a minimum of $26 can’t we?

Today I want my readers to think about what freedom actually means to you, its worth and ask your participation in showing a soldier and fellow Americans that freedom is worth more than talk.  Please make your pledge right now.  If you’re going to be a “proud American”, prove it and help those who most often get left behind.  It’s not our children as President Bush wants you to believe.  It’s our military service men and women.

This is what motivates Marco and Luis from Driven Fit:

• internal struggles
• physical barriers
• limitations in life and how to be able to deal with them and live
• failing and learning not to quit
• realizing nothing is required – we do because we want to
• fight against being normal and turning the other way
• facing troubles head on
• believing you can create your own salvation
• standing tall when not recognized

It seems these guys are winners already.  Exceed their expectations and pledge right now.  Then send this post to others you know.  Let’s see if we can make a difference together and help at least one soldier know we value their service and commitment to the United States of America.

Namaste,

Tatiana von Tauber

Donations are accepted until June 23, 2008.  If you have any questions, please contact the fundraising coordinator, Sarah Sponaugle at run for something at gmail dot com.  The actual marathon is in June 2008 in Travers, Switzerland. It is 26.2 miles of uphill terrain.  Thank you for your support and contributions.