My name is Megan Gavin-Kirk and I am running the Boston Marathon for Maine Run for the Fallen in memory of my husband SGT Joshua J. Kirk. Joshua was killed in action when his outpost in Afghanistan was overrun by... Learn More

My name is Megan Gavin-Kirk and I am running the Boston Marathon for Maine Run for the Fallen in memory of my husband SGT Joshua J. Kirk. Joshua was killed in action when his outpost in Afghanistan was overrun by insurgents on October 3, 2009. Joshua was born July 19, 1979 in Thomaston, Maine. When Josh was five he moved with his family to Idaho where he lived until he returned to Maine in his early twenties. Josh was homeschooled along with his five siblings. When Josh completed high school his graduation gift from his parents was a month at Outward Bound in Colorado. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hike and rock climb with buddies. Josh returned to Maine when he was twenty two to work with his father for the summer in construction. At the end of the summer Josh stayed on in Maine to live and work. In 2004 Josh enrolled at Southern Maine Community College with a major in Construction Engineering. During that time he could no longer ignore his calling to serve his country; in the spring of 2005 he left college and joined the Army. He had always planned to return to college when his commitment to the Army was complete. After graduating basic training he received orders to Germany, where he would serve with the 173rd Airborne. Josh deployed from Germany with 1-91 CAV in early in 2007 to Afghanistan. He was gone for 15 months and during his time there was awarded an ARCOM with a V-Device for valor. Just a short 10 months later he was again deployed with his new unit from Fort Carson, CO. He was again off to Afghanistan in May of 2009 with 3-61 CAV. October 3, 2009 Josh along with seven other soldiers with him at COP Keating were killed when their remote outpost was overrun by Taliban fighters. Joshua was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with a V-Device for valor after the battle that ended his life. Josh was a good man; he fought for his family and his country. He was a passionate man, he believed in taking care of his family and the people he loved. He is sorely missed everyday and the little girl who once sat with her Daddy reading will no longer be able to share the love they had. Kensington has a great love for books just like her Daddy did when he was here with us. While Josh was deployed the first time I decided to take up running to keep my mind off the situation and the stress of having my husband in a war zone. There could not have been a more supportive husband for a wife’s new found love (my running) than he was. Every time we talked he would ask me how my running was going and how many miles I had logged that day. So today I continue to run not only for me but for Josh and his passion for life. On days when I don't think I can make it one more mile I remember him and the encouragement he always gave me and continues to. I am running this, my first marathon to remember not just Josh but all of the men and women who have died defending this great country fighting to preserve our freedom. Please help me reach my fundraising goal and donate, I thank you for your generosity. Feel free to forward this to others. Hide

I am running the Boston Marathon in honor of one of our fallen heroes. CPL Mark Goyet was KIA in Afghanistan on 28 June 2011. Race day is 16 April 2012, (Patriots Day). The funds raised go to Run For The Fallen.... Learn More

I am running the Boston Marathon in honor of one of our fallen heroes. CPL Mark Goyet was KIA in Afghanistan on 28 June 2011. Race day is 16 April 2012, (Patriots Day). The funds raised go to Run For The Fallen. They provide scholarships and support for the families of fallen soldiers. Hide

Hello, my name is Kyla Krueger, I am running in the 2012 Boston Marathon and raising money to help support Run for the Fallen Maine, a 501 c (3) non-profit .  They are a dedicated group of... Learn More

Hello, my name is Kyla Krueger, I am running in the 2012 Boston Marathon and raising money to help support Run for the Fallen Maine, a 501 c (3) non-profit .  They are a dedicated group of individuals who faithfully support the families of those military servicemen and women who have given their lives in the line of duty. Their mission is to keep alive the memory of our military heros who have given their lives since September11, 2001.  Please consider a donation to help this selfless organization, and to show your support to all of the families who will forever live without their loved ones. While I am honored to be running for all of those men and women who have given their lives in service of this country, I am specifically running in memory of my husband LT Sean David Krueger USCG.     Sean Krueger lived in Waterboro, Maine and graduated from Massabesic High School in 1994.  The Summer after graduation, at age 17, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard (USCG).  He graduated from boot camp and was sent to a Coast Guard Cutter (CGC) where he spent almost 2 years as an enlisted member of the CG.  From there Sean attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School and the USCG Academy, earning himself a Bachelors degree, and a commission as Ensign in the USCG.  His first tour as an officer was on the CGC Sundew where he was a deck watch officer.  He applied to and was accepted into the flight school program, and in June of 2003 he was awarded his wings as a naval aviator and was assigned as a helicopter pilot in Cape Cod Massachusetts.  Three years later, Sean decided to broaden his horizons and applied for and was accepted as the Coast Guard Exchange Pilot with the Royal Navy in Cornwall, England.  Now, as if two years in the rain of Southern England was not enough, Sean decided that he wanted to spend a few more years in the rain, and asked to be sent to SItka, Alaska.  His detailer happily obliged and upon the completion of his exchange tour he and his family were sent to Sitka, Alaska.  And yes folks, it rains a lot in SItka!     Sean's military service awards include the Air Medal, C.G. Commendation Medal, C.G. Achievement Medal, and Commandant's Letter of Commendation, among numerous other unit, team, and personal awards.  Additionally, he was awarded the Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award and the Edward and Maise Lewis Award for a heroic rescue while serving as CG exchange pilot in the United Kingdom.  Sean served his country for almost 16 years.  In those 16 Years he not only earned a long list of awards and commendations, but he also earned the respect and admiration of his fellow "shipmates."  Sean was a quiet leader who loved his job. He was a Coast Guard officer, aviator, friend, and mentor.    But most importantly he was a loving father, husband, son, and brother.  On July 7, 2010, LT Sean David Krueger USCG, was killed when the Helicopter he was piloting crashed off the coast of Washington state.  This tragic accident has effected not only his immediate family, but all of those who had come to know Sean, and even some whom he had never had the pleasure of meeting.     I am running this marathon not for Sean but with Sean.  I  am honored to be running for an organization that whole heartedly supports the families of our fallen soldiers.  An organization full of people who not only give monetarily, but mentally, physically, and emotionally give back to those of us who need unwavering strength and support.     I am asking you to please pay it forward, support Run for the Fallen Maine.  No donation is too small, and I thank you in advance for your generosity.   Hide

On April 16, 2012 I will be running to honor my husband, 1st LT. JAMES R. ZIMMERMAN, by participating in the 2012 Boston Marathon. In honor of my husband, I will be running to support the Run for the Fallen... Learn More

On April 16, 2012 I will be running to honor my husband, 1st LT. JAMES R. ZIMMERMAN, by participating in the 2012 Boston Marathon. In honor of my husband, I will be running to support the Run for the Fallen Maine. James was born May 18, 1985, in Presque Isle, Maine. He was a graduate of Greater Houlton Christian Academy, Class of 2003, and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps March 21, 2003, the first day of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He attended boot camp at Paris Island, S.C and served in the Marine Corps Reserve, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Topsham, for one year. Shortly thereafter he was awarded a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship in 2004. He attended the University of Maine, Orono, where he graduated in 2008. Shortly after being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, James attended The Basic School and the Infantry Officer Course in Quantico, Va., after which he was assigned as platoon commander for the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment of Camp Lejeune, N.C. In May 2010, he was promoted to first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. James deployed June 13, 2010, to Marjah Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On November 2nd 2010, James made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action, while engaging the enemy in small arms fire. James was a good man. From a young age he embodied a strong sense of patriotism and love for his God and country. He did not become a Marine for the glory but because he felt like it was his duty as a citizen of the United States of America to protect and serve his country so that we can enjoy the precious freedoms that we so often take for granted. When I first met James I knew that there was something special about him. James always had a way of bringing life to a room with his bigger than life personality and infectious smile. When we were in college, everybody knew James. He just had a way about him that made it easy to love him. He lived his life with a sense of vigor that most people never learn to do. He was spontaneous, full of life, honorable, a great leader, a friend that would do anything for you, a Marine that would fight to his death for you and a husband that made me want to be a better person. When James took the Oath to become a Marine, he understood the potential sacrifice but he firmly believed in what the Marine Corps stood for. He never wanted to leave this world or leave myself or our family behind, but he was not afraid to do so. It has been over a year since James has been gone, though it seems like just yesterday. Myself and our family will never be the same without him. As his wife I feel as though it is my mission, as his living representation, to continue to honor James in a way that this world will NEVER forget his sacrifice or the sacrifices of our fallen heroes. Please take the time to make a donation through this website in support of the Run for the Fallen Maine. The mission of Run for the Fallen Maine, a 100% volunteer organization, is to keep alive the names and memories of our Fallen Heroes from Maine and those that had strong family ties to Maine. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards Run for the Fallen Maine's scholarship foundation, funds to help the families who have lost service members from Maine, and also to help put together the August run event. This year's 5th annual Run for the Fallen Maine will be held August 19th, a run from Ogunquit to Portland to honor these men and their families. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too! SEMPER FIDELIS Hide

My name is Tom Pacyna, and I am running in the 116th Boston Marathon in memory of Army Capt. Christopher S. Cash on Patriot’s Day, April 16, 2012. I am extremely grateful to Capt. Cash’s mom and step-dad,... Learn More

My name is Tom Pacyna, and I am running in the 116th Boston Marathon in memory of Army Capt. Christopher S. Cash on Patriot’s Day, April 16, 2012. I am extremely grateful to Capt. Cash’s mom and step-dad, Nancy and Bob Kelley, for allowing me to run in honor of their son, Chris. All funds that I raise for Run For the Fallen Maine, a wonderful organization whose mission is to keep the memory of fallen heroes alive, will directly benefit The Captain Christopher S. Cash Memorial 5K.  This annual event, now in its 8th year, was founded by Nancy and Bob Kelley to honor their son; his love of running, and to raise funds to award scholarships to outstanding students whose character represents that which Captain Cash stood for. Capt. Cash spent his early childhood in Rhode Island and grew up in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, a town that he loved. He was a 1985 graduate of Old Orchard Beach High School where he was a passionate and avid runner excelling in track and field and cross-country running. He won several state titles in track events and qualified for the Junior National Olympics in 1984! In 1987, Chris began his 17-year military career attending the Army Ranger School at Fort Bragg. He served for four years as a Ranger with the 82nd Airborne Division before moving back to Maine and joining the Army National Guard. Chris and his wife later moved to eastern North Carolina where he transferred to the North Carolina Army National Guard. While serving in North Carolina, he began his college studies and graduated from East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in health and fitness and a master’s degree in health education. When not on active duty, Chris was employed as an exercise physiologist for a health and fitness center. Capt. Cash proudly served our country as an Infantry Officer and Company Commander in the Army National Guard, assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry, of Jacksonville, N.C. The 1st Battalion in which he served was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On June 24, 2004, fierce fighting broke out in Baqubah, Iraq when insurgents attempted to ambush the 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry. Capt. Cash was called in to lead his company when the armored vehicle he was riding in came under heavy fire. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country that day while looking out for the safety and wellbeing of the men he led. The word, integrity, is what comes to my mind when thinking about Capt. Cash. He had a drive to help others, and he proudly served his country as a great soldier and leader who was able to inspire those underneath him. Capt. Cash was awarded a Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Bronze Star for meritorious service. In addition, he had earlier earned the Army’s Ranger Tab. The Captain Christopher S. Cash United States Armed Forces Center was dedicated in a ceremony September 11, 2006 in Winterville, NC to honor his memory. On June 25, 2011, Major General John Libby of the Maine National Guard and Peter Ogden of Maine Veterans’ Services presented Captain Cash’s Silver Star and Gold Star Honorable Service Awards to his mom, Nancy, at the 7th annual Captain Christopher S. Cash Memorial 5K event in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. The inscription on one of the awards reads “To those who have made the ultimate sacrifice from a grateful State.” Dog tags with Capt. Cash’s name were also hung on The Battlefield Cross Memorial located in the Maine State House Hall of Flags in 2011. Chris touched the lives of many and will always be remembered as a strong, loving, caring and courageous man. He was a proud father of two sons, loving husband, and an incredible son to Nancy and Bob. He has been described as “always having a big smile on his face” and known as “a man fueled by a passion for running and helping others.” Your donation to Run For the Fallen Maine will directly benefit the annual Captain Christopher S. Cash Memorial 5K, which awards college scholarships to outstanding students.  I have participated as a runner in The Captain Christopher S. Cash Memorial 5K the past two years. The crowds of participants and volunteers that turn out at this event are truly inspiring.  Your donation will help support this great 5K event and most importantly pay tribute to Capt. Christopher Cash.  It would mean a lot to me, and the family of Captain Cash, if you can make a donation. Donating through this web site is simple, fast, and secure. Click the orange donate button at the top right corner of this page to get started. There is a song with the lyrics “all gave some, and some gave all.” By running in this year’s Boston Marathon, I feel privileged to give “some” to honor the memory of Capt. Cash who gave his “all.” Many thanks for your support and generosity! Please forward this to all who would consider donating and honoring Capt. Cash’s memory. To learn more about Run For the Fallen Maine visit http://www.runforthefallenmaine.org. To learn more about The Captain Christopher S. Cash Memorial 5K visit http://www.runforcash.org. This year’s 5K event will be held June 23, 2012 at 8:30am in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Hide

Thank you for visiting my fundraiser page. My name is Jonathan Mixon and I am running this year's Boston Marathon in memory of LCPL Alexander Arredondo. Alexander or "Alex" as he was commonly... Learn More

Thank you for visiting my fundraiser page. My name is Jonathan Mixon and I am running this year's Boston Marathon in memory of LCPL Alexander Arredondo. Alexander or "Alex" as he was commonly called, joined the Marines at the age of 17 to help pay for college and also out of a sense of duty for his country. His friends fondly remember his ready smile, quick wit, total selflessness and of course, his signature sarcastic sense of humor. Alex was a very energetic person and enjoyed lively activities such as martial arts, rock climbing, surfing, snow boarding, and being a certified ladies man. However, there was much more to Alex than just cracking jokes and picking up girls. Alex was an excellent fireteam leader and could always be depended on to do the right thing. Lance Cpl. Jason W. Williams, a machine gunner in Alex's fireteam states that, "He wasn't shy about jumping out there and giving cover fire for Marines, making sure his Marines were safe, making sure that they were getting their food and water. He was one of the best Marines I've known and he was an exceptional fighter." Tragically, Alex's life was cut short during his second tour of duty. He was barely 20 years old. Although Alex may be gone, his memory continues to live on strong to this day. In August of 2011, with the help of US Representative Michael E. Capuano and nine other legislators, the federal post office at 655 Centre St. in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts was renamed in honor of Alex the “Lance Corporal Alexander Scott Arredondo, United States Marine Corps Post Office Building.” On the left side of this page, below Alex's pictures, is a video of Rep.Capuano speaking on behalf of Alex. I would strongly recommend watching it to gain a better understanding of just how dedicated Alex was to his country. By representing Alex in this year's Boston Marathon through Run for the Fallen Maine, I hope to continue to add to Alex's legacy, so that his memory may live on forever in all of us. The mission of Run for the Fallen Maine, a 100% volunteer organization, is to keep alive the names and memories of our Fallen Heroes from Maine and those that had strong family ties to Maine. Alex spent his childhood in Massachusetts and lived in Bangor, Maine at the time of his deployment. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards Run for the Fallen Maine's scholarship foundation, funds to help the families who have lost soldiers from Maine, and also to help put together the August run event. This year's 5th annual Run for the Fallen Maine will be held August 19th, a run from Ogunquit to Portland to honor these men and their families. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too! Hide

Hi there, this is SSG Amy Meyer. First of all, I just want to say thank you for visiting this page, which is part of my fundraising efforts for the Run for the Fallen Maine organization, which honors fallen... Learn More

Hi there, this is SSG Amy Meyer. First of all, I just want to say thank you for visiting this page, which is part of my fundraising efforts for the Run for the Fallen Maine organization, which honors fallen servicemembers. I appreciate you taking the time to visit this page and read about one of our nation's heroes. I will be running honor of SPC Dustin J. Harris Specialist Dustin J. Harris, 21, of Patten, Maine, died in Bayji, Iraq on April 6, 2006 when an improvised device detonated while he was conducting dismounted patrol operations. Harris was assigned to the 172nd Brigade Support Battalion, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He was a 2002 graduate of Katahdin High School. He was remembered as a good student and outstanding soccer player. He was active in Stetson United Methodist church. He attended Eastern Maine Community College for two years where he studied diesel mechanics. While attending college he held a part-time job in an auto parts store. He joined the Army in July 2004 and was assigned to Fort Wainwright, Alaska in February 2005 as a heavy wheeled vehicle operator. He attended Airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia where he qualified as a paratrooper. His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Combat Action Badge, and Weapons Qualification Badge. A celebration of Harris' life took place on April 15, 2006 at Katahdin Elementary School in Stacyville, Maine followed by a private family burial at Patten Cemetery. About me: I am an active duty staff sergeant, currently assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia as a military dog handler. Been running actively for about nine years now. I have done numerous 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon races. The 2012 Boston Marathon will be my fifth marathon. By visiting my fundraising page, I just want you to know that you are under no obligation to donate. It means a lot to me that you took the time to visit my page and see who I am running in honor for. But it would mean a lot to myself, not to mention the Harris and Troutt (Dustin's parents and grandparents) family if you donated in honor of Dustin and Run for the Fallen Maine. Donating is easy and the most efficient way to support this cause. Any thing you choose to donate would be very much appreciated. On behalf of myself, the Harris and Troutt family, and the Run for the Fallen Maine organization, I would like to thank you for your support If you can, please forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate in honor of SPC Harris, his fellow Fallen Heroes, and the proud memorial tributes paid and funded by Run for the Fallen Maine. Hide

I'm Melissa Casey a member of the Maine National Guard and I'm running the Boston Marathon in 2012 for 2 reasons: to honor the memory of SGT Thomas J Dostie, one of Maine's Military Heroes ... Learn More

I'm Melissa Casey a member of the Maine National Guard and I'm running the Boston Marathon in 2012 for 2 reasons: to honor the memory of SGT Thomas J Dostie, one of Maine's Military Heroes to raise funds to support a wonderful organization who helps honor the memory of all our fallen military heroes since Sept 11, 2001 SGT Dostie was 20-years-old. He loved outdoor sports such as soccer, fishing, water-skiing and snowmobiling. He was on the wrestling and swimming team at the Erskine Academy. He had just recently graduated from high school and worked as a mechanic. He came from a small town of 500 people where he served as a volunteer firefighter. Thomas Dostie was promoted to Sergeant posthumously and was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. He was buried on December 31, 2004 at Sand Hill Cemetery in Somerville, Maine.  Who is Run for the Fallen Maine? Run for the Fallen Maine is an organization dedicated to keeping alive the memory of our military heroes that gave their lives to protect our freedom since September 11, 2001. They do that by: Staging a 65 kilometer run on the 3rd Sunday in August [the 19th in 2012]. Each kilometer being dedicated to the memory of one or more of our heroes that lived in Maine, had family from Maine or had some ties to the state of Maine. The run is not a race. Participants may run as little or as much as they like. Currently the run Starts in Ogunquit and ends at the Portland waterfront. Establishing scholarships for family members of any age. Funding some critical family needs. Funding SPECIAL Military oriented activities, such as getting Gold Start Plates for families established in the State of Maine. AND MOST IMPORTANT they Raise the awareness of the service and sacrifices of our military when the opportunity presents itself.   Hide