With the generous support of the Betty Kelso Foundation and MetroStar, wear blue is proud to introduce one of our twenty-one Gold Star Race Program athletes, who will tackle the Rock’n’Roll San Antonio Half/Full Marathon this December.
Bailey Donahue, originally from North Carolina, is running in honor of her father, MAJ Michael Donahue, United States Army, who was killed in action on September 16, 2014. Bailey describes her dad as “the ultimate hero who was loved widely and deeply by many. He had a passion for running, completing numerous marathons and ultras. He had a passion for living life adventurously.” Bailey often thinks of the motto that MAJ Donahue recited each day, “Every day is a good day.” Bailey will be tackling the full marathon in the streets of San Antonio!
Tyler Miles, a local of San Antonio, is running his FIRST full marathon in honor of his Father, Sgt Sean Miles, United States Marine Corps. Tyler was nearly three years old when his father was killed in action on January 24, 2006 in Iraq. Sgt Miles was the type of man that many considered “the backbone of the military.” Self-sacrifice was second nature to Sean, and he laid down his life doing just that, pulling fellow Marines to safety. Tyler will be joining his Aunt Erin, fellow Gold Star Athlete, as they tackle the full marathon.
Brittany Knappenberger is running in honor of her twin sister, 1LT Ashley White. Many of you will recognize Brittany, as she crushed her Marine Corp Marathon in 2018 as part of our Gold Star Race Program. wear blue is thrilled to have Brittany lacing up her shoes to honor her sister. “Ashley’s favorite pastime was running and running makes me feel closest to her. It helps me on the good days, but most especially on the bad days.” Brittany has added a new addition to the family, a little girl who carries the name of her Aunt Ashley. This will be Brittany’s first race after having her little girl and she is sure to set the course on fire! Go Brit!
Rachel Elizalde-Powell is honoring her beloved brother, SFC Adrian Elizalde. Adrian gave his life on August 23, 2007 while serving in Iraq. “For those that knew Adrian in his military career, they knew a guy that was dedicated to his job, maintained a level of humor and seriousness to balance out the day, a man that would ensure the safety of others, and a committed friend.” Rachel remembers living with Adrian the year before he was deployed. She fondly remembers the morning coffee talks, the family nights that were filled with eating, laughter, and catching up. Rachel said it was one of the best years of her life. Rachel is ready to catch that sub-two hour half marathon in San Antonio. With Adrian by her side, there is no doubt she can conquer this goal.
“Jason was my biggest cheerleader in life and I am proud to run these miles in his honor. Sarah Vargo will be running in honor of her late husband, SGT Jason Vargo during the half marathon in San Antonio. “I remember one of the first dates that Jason and I went on; we went on a trail run and found out quickly that we were not compatible running partners! As I was huffing and puffing, he sprinted out and back to me. When I asked why he was sprinting, thinking he was showing off, he replied ‘I’m just trying to get my heartrate up! Let me know when you are ready to get started…’ I had started; that was me running.” Jason passed away on May 23, 2012. Sarah works effortlessly with our Gold Star families near Joint Base Lewis McCord and we could not be more proud to have her join us in San Antonio. Best wishes to you, Sarah!
Priscilla Huling is a veteran of wear blue’s Gold Star Race Program as a member of our 2018 cohort, and we are thrilled to have her join us in San Antonio as a 2021 athlete. Priscilla runs for her husband, Sgt John “JP” Huling, who was killed in action on May 6, 2012. A newlywed of just two years, Sgt Huling had just become an EOD tech before that deployment. Priscilla runs for JP and all of the other fallen/wounded warriors, who can no longer take those steps. Can’t wait to cheer you on, Priscilla!
SO1 Jason Lewis was 30 years old when he was killed in action conducting combat operations in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on July 6, 2007. Donna Lewis, Jason’s wife, is ready to complete a half marathon in his honor. Jason loved rock climbing, triathlons, fly fishing, cooking, and reading. He would never pass up the chance to learn something new. “He considered his greatest accomplishment in life as being a good husband and father. Jason lived with more exuberance for life than anyone I know.” Donna has been working over the last several weeks to gain speed as she tackles this half marathon. Donna is mom to three, beautiful kiddos Jack, Max, and Grace.
“I had the honor of meeting Shianne when she was 10 years old. Her and I instantly hit it off and it’s scary how similar we were.” Rusty Eagle is running in honor of HN Shianne Soles, United States Navy. Rusty remembers Shianne as being the type of person who was there for everyone, whenever they needed her. This led her to pursue her dream to be a Navy Corpsman; she wanted to help anyone. “She wanted to make this world a better place.” Shianne was tragically killed on May 4, 2019 at the young age of 19. Rusty has taken on the challenge of running the full marathon in San Antonio, pledging to take every step for his step-daughter who took her oath in San Antonio as a newly graduated Corpsmen in January 2019. Being back in San Antonio is not easy for Rusty, but neither is running a marathon. Rusty, we are so proud of you and cannot wait to see you cross that finish line!
Brandi Barres lost her brother, LCpl Jeromy David West, on November 25, 2006, and she remembers him with love and pride. “My brother was very proud to be a Marine. He knew at a young age that that was his calling. He was deployed to Afghanistan and then shortly after to Iraq. I will never forget our last conversation. He was a million miles away fighting in a war and was more worried about me (and our family) than himself,” she shares. Brandi is looking forward to completing her first full marathon in honor of her brother as one of wear blue’s Gold Star athletes. She adds, “I cannot create new memories with my brother, but I can create new memories for him in his honor. I sometimes feel helpless, there isn’t anything I can do to change the situation, but I can do the best I can to honor him as well as his brothers and sisters who also lost their lives while fighting for our freedom.”
1LT Gwilym Newman was the “heart and soul of his family” and his wife, Samantha Newman, is ready to take on 26.2 miles in his. Honor. She shares, “When I lost my husband (April 12, 2007), I was lost. At first, I started to run for the purpose of feeling better and working out the stress and anger I was dealing with. While I still run to feel better emotionally and mentally, running has become more than that for me. It has become a symbol of enduring strength. My husband once told me that no matter what happened, I would move forward. I was a survivor and he knew I possessed a strength that would see me through the bad times. I never understood what he meant until I was forced to face life without him, raising a son who needed extra care. He was right. Running a marathon is something I have dreamed of but never thought I could do until now. For me, the marathon is the symbol of how far I have come and will go.”
Erin Wennberg runs to honor her brother, Sgt Sean Miles, who was killed in action on January 24, 2006. She was one of wear blue’s Gold Star Race Program athletes in 2020 and quickly adapted a change in plans, running those 26.2 miles in her hometown amongst friends. Sean always displayed dedication and heart, and she is excited to run 26.2 in San Antonio in December, sharing “He is my motivation to keep going when my body says stop. One of my memories is of driving home, watching him run on the side of the road, in the rain. I was so impressed by his dedication and hope to be able to show the same dedication in my own choices and life.”
Kristin Peney was not an avid runner prior to her husband, SGT Jonathan Peney’s death on June 1, 2010, but she found it to be a way to channel grief and to process. She shares, “I love that it gives me time to be alone with my thoughts, but it also makes me feel closer to him - especially in those moments when I want to give up, I know he wouldn't have let me and that pushes me to keep going.” Her first full marathon is coming up soon and we are honored to have her with us in Texas in December. Kristin is ready to honor her husband who “was the most selfless person you would have ever met. He was always giving of his time and money to help those less fortunate - whether it was a tank of gas or a bag of groceries, he always stepped up when he saw someone in need.”
Though Pat Fox misses her son, SSgt Tyler Fox, whom she lost on December 23, 2016, “every moment of every day,” she carries him with her during her marathon training steps. Drawing inspiration from his life and the mark he left behind, she pushes forward with unparalleled determination, sharing “My son was an avid runner in High School and the USMC. While he was deployed to Australia, he decided that he wanted to run a marathon. He went on to run 9 marathons…When I run, I try to push myself as a tribute to the sacrifices made by our service men and women. I feel that running is a positive way to grieve my son. Running has saved me from curling up and withdrawing from the outside world. It has helped me with my healing process. I feel close to my son when I run. I know he is with me. I feel I can grow with each race as I push myself and honor and remember the Fallen.”
Laurie Brookshire grew up with an amazing and outgoing brother, one who knew he wanted to be in the military when he graduated high school. SSG Michael Wesley Hosey loved America and knew he was destined to serve. To honor him after being killed in action on September 17, 2011, Laurie is ready to run with wear blue in December. She adds, “I feel the Seattle Marathon with the Gold Star Race Team is a perfect way for me to honor him since he was last stationed at Fort Lewis, WA and loved to run. I am determined to cross that finish line in honor of my brother and his ultimate sacrifice for this country. I also want to continue to raise awareness for all of our Fallen Heroes and their Gold Star Families.”
Destiny Flynn is no stranger to the act of running to remember. She takes purposeful steps for her husband, SSft Liam Flynn, to honor his American dream of a life as an immigrant from Ireland who became an elite MARSOC service member. Destiny shares, “Running has given me peace and a challenge all at once…I think healing is the number responsibility of anyone who has lost someone. It’s a must. This is a way for me to reflect during the run when I feel the need to stop at times. It’s a time of reflection for me. A time to silently celebrate my love for Liam. Also, the love I have for this wonderful gift called life. One mile at a time (just like healing).”
Amber Hansen’s husband SSGT John Eric Hansen (KIA July 26, 2012) was “a gentle-natured man of few words,” loved by his family and respected by his peers. Taking purposeful steps in his honor is a way for Amber to remember his sacrifice and continue in her path of healing in an active way. She is ready to tackle her first marathon in December, adding “I see the opportunity as a way to remind myself of how strong I am and that I can meet any challenge I’m faced with, with grit and determination along with humility.”