“Yes, Let’s Run, Dad”: Kaitlen Carter Honors Her Father
Kaitlen Carter is a Gold Star daughter of CW5 David R. Carter (KIA 08/06/2011), an outdoors lover, public speaker, proud aunt, and first time half marathoner. She is one of 11 athletes in the wear blue Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program training for the Cowtown Half Marathon. Choosing to run with wear blue has become a powerful way for Kaitlen to finally say yes to the moments she missed with her dad, running in his honor while also caring for herself after years of grief. Through movement and community, she is finding healing, strength, and a renewed sense of forward momentum.
Her father, CW5 David R. Carter, was an easy going and genuine man known for his kindness, patience, and steady presence. Kaitlen remembers him as an incredible dad who made her feel seen, loved, and understood. He loved hunting, snowboarding, reading, and flying, and was a skilled pilot who also had a natural gift for teaching, something Kaitlen feels she carries forward today. Above all, he loved his family well, leaving a legacy that continues to shape her life.
Years ago, a friend introduced her to wear blue, but she was not ready to invest in the journey. Now, she is deeply grateful for learning of wear blue and making the decision to invest in herself by honoring her dad in this way. Being part of the Gold Star running community has given her grief new direction and a sense of belonging among others who truly understand military loss. The shared experiences and bonds formed through running have helped her feel grounded and connected on her journey.
Fifteen years after losing her father, Kaitlen is discovering how physical activity allows grief to move and breathe in new ways. For a while after her dad’s death, she was simply surviving, pushing through the weight of loss without space to process the depth of the pain. Recently, during one long run, waves of unearthed grief surfaced in unexpected ways, leading her to a powerful awareness–he cannot run anymore, so she will run for him. In that moment, a fire ignited within her and a deep determination to live boldly and honor his life through her own began to grow in new ways.
The road into running has not been easy. After her father’s death, depression and inactivity affected her physical and emotional health for a while, and returning to running has meant building strength in new ways. Through it all, Kaitlen has been supported by close friends who have encouraged her on this endeavor.
Today, Kaitlen’s mantra reflects both remembrance and resilience. “Yes, let’s run, Dad.” Through each mile she is reclaiming her strength, honoring her father’s legacy, and discovering the healing power of community and movement. Her message to others navigating loss is simple. Be kind to yourself and lean into the community of those who also understand the depth of this kind of loss. At the Cowtown Half Marathon, she runs not only to honor her dad’s life, but to live fully in her own, carrying his memory forward with empowerment, love, and purpose.
