Having served in the Marine Corps from 2002 to 2006, and deploying to Iraq 3 times it would be a great honor for me to run the Marine Corps Marathon. I was very disappointed to find out that race tickets had sold out in a record 2 hours and 41 minutes! The United States Marine Corps has changed my life and I am very proud to be a veteran. I think that it would be a wonderful experience to take part in this massive event near our nation's capital.
Although my essay is taken into account in determining the winners of the contest, votes are as well. I would love it if you could help a Marine run in the Marine Corps Marathon, and vote for "Marine Corps Veteran" here.
Here is the essay which I submitted to AP&R:
(Limited to 150 words or less)
9/11 happened during my senior year in high school, and as a result of this tragedy I enlisted in the Marine Corps infantry. I served honorably from 2002 to 2006, and deployed to Iraq 3 times. My time in Iraq opened my eyes and my heart to others in the world. It has inspired me to accept, embrace, and even appreciate the differences in others.
Now living in Arlington, I have found a new love for running through the many beautiful parks and trails. There is nothing like watching a sunrise over the capital during a morning run along the Potomac. I was ecstatic to learn that I would be in Arlington for the MCM; however, that elation was short lived since tickets sold out so quickly. Please allow me to express my pride and appreciation for the country in which we live by running in the 2012 Marine Corps Marathon.
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| 3/5 Scout Snipers Fallujah, Iraq 2004-2005 (I am back row, fourth from left) |
Happy Running!
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