Run Ranger Run 2017
This February, I am participating on a team to cover 565+ miles in order to raise funds and awareness for veteran transition. Here’s a bit about the program and why I’m running.
A team of up to ten individuals will pledge to walk, run and/or ride bicycles a combined total of 565 miles in the month of February (usually 28 days). Teams may be formed from anywhere in the world and your miles can be logged from the comfort of your own home. As a collective, all participants will raise funds for GallantFew and increase awareness for veteran issues surrounding the transition from active military service to civilian life.
Why I’m running
Run Ranger Run brings attention to a critical subject that needs addressed more openly and honest within our society. How are we treating our veterans? Are we failing them when they leave the service? How can we make it better?
Cory’s story hits pretty close to home for me. Similar to Cory and many other veterans, I struggled with transition and had a hard time regaining sense of purpose, camaraderie and meaning after taking off the uniform. I lost friends to suicide and ended up in a very dark place myself before finally admitting I had a problem and seeking assistance. Our stories are only a small reflection of the millions of veterans who have served since 9/11 and have struggled with transition.
I found out about this run through a friend, Dan Stadt, and quickly decided to join his team. So far I have completed 140 miles and expect to be at or above 200 miles by Feb 28. Our team total currently stands at 758, which is well above the goal of 565.
You can view the rest of our team and donate at this link: https://www.crowdrise.com/fundraise-and-volunteer/the-team/jasonwinters2-RunRangerRunV
About Run Ranger Run
In 2012, 3rd Ranger Battalion veteran US Army Corporal Cory Smith, having deployed to combat twice, experienced having friends killed and wounded and with his own marriage failing decided to highlight the difficult journey home many soldiers have leaving the Army by undergoing a very public and very difficult journey home himself. Cory decided to run 565 miles in 28 days with holding his daughter Elleigh in his arms the end goal of his run.
In 2013, 3rd Ranger Battalion combat veteran Cory Smith highlighted the difficult transition so many veterans face by making a very difficult, public and personal transition — he ran home! Columbus, GA to Indianapolis, IN — 565 miles. Now you can join Cory to make a difference right where you are, and bring awareness to the difficult transition many of our honored military veterans face.
About Gallant Few
GallantFew’s mission is to prevent veteran isolation by connecting new veterans with hometown veteran mentors, thereby facilitating a peaceful, successful transition from military service to a civilian life filled with hope and purpose.
We do this by creating and supporting a nationwide network of successfully transitioned veterans that engage locally with new veterans with the same military background now going through transition and by motivating communities all over the nation to take responsibility for veterans returning; welcoming, connecting, and including.
We believe this will prevent veteran unemployment, homelessness and suicide.
Get involved
If you’d like to start your own team next year, it’s quick and easy. Just visit the website, register, pay a small $35 registration fee (which includes an event t-shirt and personal fundraising link) and spread the word.
If you’d like to learn more about Run Ranger Run or Gallant Few, simply click on the links above in their respective headers.
