Chelsey Swindle
“I want to show my kids that remembering their Dad doesn’t have to be a sad thing, but rather a proud thing.” Chelsey Swindle, from Beebe, Arkansas, is setting out to do just that, remembering her husband SGT Jason Swindle who was killed in action September 20, 2012. Chelsey always told Jason that she would complete a half marathon; getting to do that in Fort Worth, Texas in his honor means even more to her now. Chelsey describes Jason as a leader with a big heart.
Lorena Castro
“I started running with wear blue and I want to inspire other Gold Star Moms, '' says Lorena Castro, Gold Star Mother of PFC Juan Castro. “Juan was a thoughtful, loving, and strong-minded young man. His love and faith for service inspired him to join the United States Army. In his 18-months of service, he had the best time of his life.” Lorena is looking forward to making connections with others to whom she can relate. Lorena also credits wear blue as giving her a reason to care for herself and others. Juan passed away in June of 2015. “He will always be my hero!”
Julie Haralambous
“I don’t consider myself a runner, even though I’ve completed three Air Force marathons,” says Julie Haralambous from Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Julie is running in honor of her brother, Captain Scott Craven who passed away in February 2007. “Scott was an incredible young man who passed away at the age of 26. He gave freely of his time and was family focused. I miss him terribly.” Julie is hoping to connect with him again through running. Julie says that she is ready to have the support team of wear blue behind her and feel connected to a team again.
Issac Sellner
Issac Sellner, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, is running in Fort Worth, Texas to honor his brother, PVT Karl Sellner, who passed away in September 2016. “Karl was the kindest, most thoughtful, and loving brother, son, and husband. He was always trying to cheer people up and make them laugh.” Issac fondly remembers how hard his brother was on him growing up - pushing him to be the best he could be. “When I set my mind to something, I’ll complete it because that’s what Karl would do.” Issac says that he has a difficult time pushing himself to heal on his own, is excited to have a team to rely on, and is ready to push himself mentally and physically.
Heather Sipes
Heather Sipes, from Belgrade, Montana is running in honor of her late husband, Captain Jeremiah Sipes who was killed on New Year’s Day in 2011. Jeremiah was out on a training run for a half marathon. Heather has chosen running as her way to honor and remember her husband. “He was an amazing husband, father, and soldier. He was always smiling and could light up a room. He was a great friend and always strived to do the right thing. He loved fly fishing and spending time in the mountains of Montana. His children would make any bad day amazing for him. He couldn’t get enough snuggles from them.” Heather is ready to share the joy and healing that running brings.
Rich Lorimer
Rich Lorimer, from Springville, Iowa, is running to honor his son, Andrew “AJ” Lorimer. “We ran two half marathons together when he was in high school. It was a common interest that we both shared. I started running again to help myself heal,” says Rich. AJ was a Lieutenant in the Navy when he passed away in June of 2021. “This loss is still very fresh and raw. I am looking to this event as a way of healing, both physically and emotionally.”
Emily Rodgers
Emily Rodgers is running the Cowtown Half Marathon in honor of her brother, SGT Joshua Patrick Rodgers who was just 22 years old when he was killed in Afghanistan. “He was just starting his life. He found his passion and he was dedicated to being the best Army Ranger he could be.” Emily is ready to tackle this half marathon and make it a personal record. She is going to be training closely with her Mom. “Josh is a hero in my eyes and to everyone that knows him.” Emily is from Bloomington, Illinois.
Daniel Clinger
Daniel Clinger is the Gold Star Father of Sgt. Tristan Clinger and a former United States Marine. “Tristan was an exceptional Marine and father to his own three children. His loss has impacted many.” Tristan passed away in December 2015. “While I may not be as lean and mean, I still possess the self discipline required for his race.” Daniel is ready to hit the pavement in his hometown of Xenia, Ohio.
Abigail Wittwer
“My Dad was a fighter pilot in the United States Navy. He was killed on a training mission in early 2006.” Abigail Wittwer is running to honor Lieutenant Commander Frank Wittwer. Abby recalls that her Dad was an avid runner, running half and full marathons. She remembers how active he liked to be. “One of his favorite things to do was running.” Abby is new to the sport and is excited to gain confidence, through hard work and determination. She is hoping to find connection to her Father during this training. “ I have so many wonderful memories with him and I’m so thankful for the short amount of time I had with him.”
Erin Sellner
Erin Sellner, Gold Star Mother of PVT Karl Sellner, is honoring her son with a purpose and to process her grief. “My son was a wonderful, fun, and caring person. He loved his family and country.” Karl came from a line of Veterans, which made him want to serve his country as well. Erin says that she is ready to connect with other Gold Star family members and continue to heal in her grief. Karl passed away in September 2016. Since then, Erin and her husband have volunteered on the wear blue Mile which she says was one of the most amazing experiences. Erin currently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.