Scott’s Story: Running 13.1 Miles to Honor Veterans

About a year ago, my nephew Rylan nominated me to receive a flagpole from FPHOV. I was deeply moved when a team of patriots rolled up on Harleys, flags flying, and installed a beautiful flagpole in my front yard. The honor, respect, and love they showed my family that day is something I will never forget. 

Fast forward one year: encouraged by my wife and running coach, Tiffany, I began running. In April I completed a quarter marathon, and soon after I set my sights on something bigger — the Air Force Half Marathon on September 19th in Dayton, Ohio. The Air Force played a major role in shaping the man I am today, so this race felt like the perfect challenge.

During a Memorial Day training run, I reflected on everything FPHOV had done for me and decided I wanted to give back. I reached out to the FPHOV board with an idea: use my training and race as a platform to help every veteran in our state who wants a flagpole in their yard receive one.

The goal? $13,100 by race day. Why 13,100? Because 1 flag is folded in 13 folds, and I’ll be running 13.1 miles. It’s the perfect symbol of honor and effort coming together. 

This challenge isn’t about me — there are thousands of better runners out there. This is about raising continued awareness that our state is filled with Heroes who quietly go about their lives after service with dignity and most importantly, with Honor.

I simply want to help make sure every one of them can have a flag flying in their yard. 

“It can be done.” — Ronald Reagan