Running with a Purpose

Aug 22, 2014

Stacy Roman
August 21, 2014

Stacy Roman, 29, served in the United States Marine Corps for almost 10 years.  She reflects on her motivation to run the Marine Corps Marathon to support The Mission Continues and transitioning veterans across the country.

Stacy Roman

 

1)  Tell us about your motivation/inspiration to run the Marine Corps Marathon for The Mission Continues.

I recently was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps in October 2013, and never really understood the transition it takes to leave the military until facing it myself.  Veterans face a wide variety of struggles on a daily basis and The Mission Continues has a great support system and program to help veterans transitioning with more than just the physical demands of finding a new job, location, house etc.  Every mile I run I know that it is a mile closer to helping other Veterans successfully transition to civilian life while still being able to use their military background that is so much a part of who they are.

2) Tell us about your personal connection to veterans.

I served almost 10 years in the Marine Corps as a military police officer and drill instructor. I am a veteran and can appreciate the struggles others face and want to do anything and everything I can to continue to serve with my brothers and sisters.

Stacy Roman (2)

 3) What’s the most challenging part of training? How do you overcome that challenge?

Being in the military for 10 years definitely took a toll on my knees and hips.  Sometimes on the long runs, the pain is pretty severe.  I try to think of people, veterans, heroes that I know who no longer can run or walk, or those who are even not here at all. I use that to be thankful for my ability to be where I am and keep running.  People take for granted so many little things in life like walking or playing and running and never do it. I do it because I love it and know of people who would give anything to be able to again.

 4) Is there anything else you’d like supporters to know about your story.

The support for our troops is amazing, on and off the battlefield. I am sure there is always something more everyone can do for the men and women who defend (or defended) our awesome country.  Veterans need your continued support too. Please remember them and get involved with The Mission Continues to give our veterans the chance they deserve and opportunity to establish themselves as the valuable members of society that they are. Thank you!

If you’d like to donate to runners like Stacy, visit Team Mission Continues fundraising page. 

There’s still time to lace up your shoes for and register to run the Marine Corps Marathon with Team Mission Continues. E-mail Marvin Cadet and mcadet@missioncontinues.org for more information.