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.