Eyes Fixed, Heart Forward: Haley Honors Her Brother
For Haley, running is both a physical discipline and a spiritual practice, shaped by faith, family, and remembrance. As the youngest of five siblings, Haley grew up supported by those who went before her. Her brother, PFC Coleman Hinkefent ( 20 December 2009), the middle child, carried a larger-than-life presence whose influence continues to hold the family together even in his absence. Today, Haley and her older sister Erica find themselves on the same start line at Cowtown, running together in his honor.
Haley often returns to Hebrews 12:1–2, a verse that calls her to run with endurance, fixing her eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of her faith. Training is hard, and continuing to live fully after loss is hard as well. When discouragement creeps in, this verse reminds her that this is the race God has sovereignly placed her in, authored by Him and sustained by His grace all the way to the finish.
Being a Gold Star sister has shaped how Haley shows up in her community. She carries a heightened awareness of life’s fragility, knowing firsthand that none of us are promised tomorrow. That truth fuels the way she lives, with intention, gratitude, and purpose. Every classroom, early morning coffee shift, church gathering, and training run is a gift that she does not take lightly.
The most challenging part of Haley’s training has been consistency. Balancing school, work, and service while committing to a long-term training plan has not always been easy. Yet remembering why she runs keeps her moving forward. This journey has been a gift she feels called to steward well, and with each step Haley seeks to honor Coleman’s legacy by living and running in a way that reflects how he lived, fully and with love.
Together, Haley, Erica, and the rest of the cohort are part of something bigger than a single race. With less than one month to go until the Cowtown Half Marathon in Fort Worth, Texas, the 11 Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athletes are deep into the heart of their training. These final weeks bring long miles, early mornings, and tired legs, followed by intentional rest, recovery, and a focus on staying healthy. Each athlete will toe the start line carrying a story, a name, and a purpose, running not just toward the finish, but in honor of those they love and the community that has carried them every step of the way.
