The Race is One, Won with Marshall

Marchers and Supporters,
I cannot thank all Participants and Supports enough. Jack took us to the finish line, with enough day Marchers, that we felt like we all made it, no matter the distance; we all made a sacrifice show our support and love for Addison. Some Marched, because others did, some Marched because they like the exercise, and all Marched because they were there for Marshall, Addison Marshall.

I will write some more tonight or tomorrow and let you in on our fun, sores and laughs, but the most important thing was, Addison was there with us both in spirit and in person. He was a fine sight for five sore footed men, as we crossed the finish line on FSR 219.

Jack took in the role of leadership or the C.O., Jerry Krogel handled all the duties of the X.O., and I played the part of the older sergeant bringing up the rear. Maps, support and supplies were excellent provided for by Major Kroger, while Jack took the guidon and the forward position on the March, taking care of all the spider webs and snakes up front along the way.

The guidon was carried by all Marchers, at one time or another, through out the March, covering all 80 (just under 80 ) miles in beautiful colors. It was handed to Addison by his Dad as we hit the finish line sometime after two o'clock.

Most of the men who had sacrificed their time in support of their March. let me know, that if we did it again, they wanted to March. That helped smooth out the fact we did not have all the numbers of Marchers I had hoped for. But then again, maybe they would not have made it, and we would have had to get them back to their cars to head home in down cast, humbled spirits.

We changed our plans and let girls and women, who wanted to March, go with us, as long as their Dad, or Mom where there. Most only planned to go for one day, but my wife made two days without any problem. I think the number of miles scared people more then the act of doing it.

I will say this, if there is a next time, and I hope their is, with Addison by our side, I will be more comfortable in all-terrain tennis shoes instead of hiking boots. Those that wore sneakers, had much better feet then those of us who wore boots. The terrain was not too tough nor the water too high.

Our race is run, Addison's race is still on. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Seek to give him some of your strength, not that he needs it, but to keep him needing it. He ain't heavy, he is just Addison. God grant him strength, and let him stay here amongst us to realize his potential.

Till the race is won, we are one, We are Marshall.