I’m in the U.S. Air Force, which has taken me far away from my family and friends in Arkansas, making it difficult to be with my Mom each year as she takes part in the annual Race in Little Rock. But 2009 found me further away than usual. You see, in Sept of 2009, I was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for over 7 months.

I was lucky enough to have fairly reliable internet access while in Iraq, so I often read many of the Facebook posts your organization posted in the weeks leadiing up to the 2009 Race. In the days leading up to the Race in Little Rock, I made a post on your FB wall, nothing big, just a few words of love and encouragement for my Mom as she prepared for another Race.

In the post, I mentioned I had made it from Baghdad, which caught the attention of some of the Race’s organizers. Because of my special situation, I was very honored to have been made an ‘Honorary Member” of the 3 Miles of Men.

But the best part was when my Mom was recognized prior to the Race when the Race’s MC announced her name and my words of encouragement to her from Baghdad, Iraq. She was also recognized by Craig O’Neil at that night’s post-Race dinner.

I was truly touched by the way the Race’s organizers took a special interest in my story and especially touched in the kind treatment my Mom was rendered because of my special circumstances. My Mom truly enjoys the Race for the Cure each year, but the Race of 2009 was just a little bit more special. Thank you so much. Good luck for a GREAT Race in 2010.

TSgt John D. Carlton III