Running for Dusty: Danie Kersten’s Journey of Remembrance
When Danie Kersten talks about her brother, Capt Dustin Lukasiewicz, USMC—“Dusty” to his family and friends—her words carry both deep pride and enduring love.
“My brother Dusty was one of the most genuine people I have ever known,” she says. “He truly loved helping people and always followed through on his commitments. Dusty was a great dad to his daughter Izzy, and it was so fun to watch how he transitioned from a military bachelor to a husband and father. He was always the first person I would call for advice or a pep talk because he had an uncanny ability to see all sides of an issue and always gave an objective opinion. Dusty was kind, smart, and oh so funny. He definitely knew how to have a good time, and those around him were drawn to his magnetic personality and positive attitude.”
After Dusty’s passing, Danie was searching for a way to navigate her grief and stay connected to her family. She turned to running. What started as training for a simple 5K alongside her sister became a practice that transformed her life.
“Running has become the BEST outlet for me,” Danie shares. “It has helped me grow in my ability to cope and overcome hard times. Over the last 10 years, it has evolved into a healthy way to navigate through my grief and all the other challenges life throws my way.”
Since lacing up her first pair of running shoes, Danie has completed three half marathons and countless 5Ks and 10Ks. Each finish line has carried her brother’s memory with it. Now, she is preparing for her furthest distance yet—the Marine Corps Marathon.
“I feel that running a marathon will help me find both inner and physical strength beyond what I could normally push myself to accomplish,” Danie says. “I believe the training process will also help me to gain mental toughness and push my physical limits through fellowship and encouragement from others on a similar journey.”
This fall, Danie joins the wear blue Gold Star & Survivor Endurance Program (GSSEP), a cohort that trains, runs, and honors together. For her, the program represents more than just a marathon—it’s a chance to share Dusty’s story, connect with other Gold Star and Surviving siblings, and find strength in community.
“Being selected to participate in wear blue’s GSSEP is such an honor,” she reflects. “There are not many programs out there for Gold Star siblings, and to be honest, I was probably not brave enough to participate prior to this opportunity. GSSEP has not only connected me with several other Gold Star [and Suriviving] siblings, but it has also given me the courage and strength to share my brother’s story as a way to remember and honor him. Honoring my brother through fellowship and fitness is definitely something he would be proud of, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of wear blue and the GSSEP.”
For Danie, every step forward is more than training—it’s a living memorial. And when she crosses the finish line at the Marine Corps Marathon, it will be with her brother Dusty’s memory propelling her forward.
Join our wear blue: run to remember Community on the wear blue Mile to honor over 275 fallen service members. Stand with their families and loved ones, cheer on our community as they take purposeful steps. Sign up to volunteer at the 2025 Marine Corps Marathon HERE.
