Honoring Our HEROES Marathon: Recognizing sacrifice and commitment

Master of Ceremonies Jamie Turner introduced the guests that would be speaking that evening, a roster which included Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri State Representative Bill Hardwick, Navy Veteran Sid Busch, and CWO4 Mike Sakalauski. Also present were Missouri State Representatives Ron Copeland, Tara Peters, and Don Mayhew.

Speaking first was Representative Bill Hardwick, who represents Pulaski County, and who has participated in the HEROES marathon twice. Turner introduced Hardwick as an “attorney, soldier, and incredible individual.”

Hardwick said that he looks forward to the event each year, and that it was all for a worthy cause—recognizing the people who sacrifice for our country. He said that was what he wanted to speak about—the meaning of the word “sacrifice”. Hardwick’s service in Iraq had put him in life and death situations, he said, and in those situations a choice must be made: giving in to fear, or pushing toward the goal.

“There you have fear; you have a feeling like you don’t want to do something. And that’s kind of what sacrifice is,” said Hardwick. “There’s a now, there’s a present, there’s what’s in front of you. And you give up the emotion and the feeling that you have right now, for something that’s more important to you in the future.”

Hardwick said that is what everyone who serves in the military does: They give up their freedom, time with family, their security, safety, the ability to come and go as they please, and their ability to be warm in their beds at home.

“They give that up, they sacrifice that for something that is more important to them, which is all of you. Which is your freedom, which is your ability to be warm in your bed, which is your ability to live your life. That’s what sacrifice is,” said Hardwick.

Hardwick introduced Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, who said he wanted to thank the organizers of the event.

“I’m here to thank the volunteers and all the people who put this on,” said Kehoe. “The incredible impact this marathon has had, from little Dent County and Salem, Missouri, to Rolla in Phelps County, and to have folks here from 20-some-odd states and several foreign countries; That’s amazing to me, to see that put them on the map.”

Kehoe said he was grateful to see the impact that the marathon has in the area, and that giving back is what the event is all about.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase what Missouri is all about. Because this race, and giving back, is who we are,” said Kehoe.

Like Hardwick, Kehoe spoke about the nature of service and sacrifice, recognizing those in our community, present or not, who served their countrymen in the armed forces.

“They’re defending our freedoms, for hundreds, thousands, millions of people that they’ll never meet. But they’re doing it because it’s a call to duty—It’s a passion,” said Kehoe. “And, this organization, and the 570-plus runners that we will have tomorrow, are doing it to help those around our state that they’ll never meet either.”

He said he felt that the marathon was an “incredible opportunity” to see people embody compassion and service for servicemembers in our community.

“To participate in an event like this, to raise over $130,000 in seven years it’s been going on, to benefit all of the great veteran’s organizations you heard about earlier,” said Kehoe. “This is thanks to you. You’re doing what you can to support these men and ladies who so dearly need some support.”

Kehoe concluded by imploring the crowd to check in on their veteran friends and relatives.

“Please hear one thing: If you know a veteran, call him or her and say hello. Check in on them. See how they’re doing,” said Kehoe. “No matter how good you think they are, no matter how stable you think they are, our veterans endure pains that none of us ever see.”

Next to the podium was CWO4 Mike Sakalauski, who is an active-duty special forces Warrant Officer with the United States Army, currently stationed in Ft. Liberty, formerly known as Ft. Bragg, in North Carolina. Sakalauski’s resume had quite an array of achievements, as enumerated by Turner.

“He joined the Army in 2004, and has had seven deployments to Afghanistan with Operation Detachment Alpha. He earned the Distinguished Honored Graduate award from both the US Army Ranger School and the Special Forces Warrant Officer’s Education Course, as well as other top leadership awards,” said Turner. “He’s received seven bronze stars, and multiple commendations, including combat infantrymen, static line jumpmaster, parachutist, military freefall, and special operations diver badges. Mike graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a degree in Criminology.”

Sakalauski greeted the crowd, and said he was there to address “all those who embrace the rhythm of determination”.

He began by recognizing the Gold Star Families present, asking for a round of applause.

“We recognize the loss of your loved ones, and your resolve. And know that their memory lives on through all of us,” said Sakalauski.

He said all those present were united by one common thread: Running for something greater.

“As I look down at the sea of runners, I can’t help but draw parallels between your journey and my experience in the heart of Afghanistan. In the rugged terrain of that distant land, every step had a purpose, every mission had a goal. And there, I learned the true measure of human resilience,” he said.

Sakalauski said that it is only in those moments where one is pushed to the limit does one learn who they truly are.

“Here’s the secret: it is in those moments where you discover what you’re truly made of. It’s when the sweat is pouring down, and your muscles are beginning to ache, that you find the reservoirs of strength you never knew existed,” said Sakalauski.

He spoke about the concept of humor, saying that it can be a beacon of light in a dark situation, and that even in the toughest of times, laughter can help the human spirit.

“So, if you find yourself gasping for breath, embrace the absurdity of it all. Especially if you’re running the full marathon,” he said. “After all, if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest joys.”

“Adapt, and overcome,” said Sakalauski, who said that life and marathons can be unpredictable.

“You might encounter unexpected terms, uphill battles, or even a metaphorical pothole that threatens to trip you up. But remember, every setback is an opportunity to showcase your resilience, to adapt and strive, and to overcome whatever obstacles lie in your path.”

Next up was Sid Busch, a 77- year-old Navy veteran from South Carolina, whom Turner introduced to the crowd as a “national legend”. According to Turner, 40 years ago, Busch was facing mandatory medical retirement from the navy due to an injury. Determined not to lose his job, Busch made an unusual request.

“Instead, Sid asked, ‘Can I finish a marathon? Can I keep my job?’” said Turner. “The Navy agreed, and Sid did both, finishing his first marathon in under four hours.”

Since then, Busch has completed 200 additional marathons, and retired after a long career as Chief Petty Officer and sonar technician.

Busch focused on recognizing veterans who he said, like him, never got a “welcome home”. While being forced to spend time away from home submerged somewhere in the world’s oceans during 12 holiday seasons, Busch said he and his crewmates wondered if anybody cared about what they were doing.

“A lot of times we would all sit around and wonder: Does anybody really care that we’re out here missing our loved ones?” said Busch. “And coming here, it reenforces that yes, people really do.”

Busch joined up during the Vietnam war and was stationed on a submarine to keep track of soviet ships near the warzone. He was at an airport in San Francisco when he felt the impact of the hatred many held for service members at the time.

“I was 19 years old, and happy and proud, […] and wearing my uniform.  And a girl about my age came over to me, called me a ‘baby killer’, and spit in my face,” he said. “That happened over 50 years ago, and it still hurts.”

He asked if there were any Vietnam veterans present. There were several.

“I’d like to say, ‘Welcome Home’. We never got one,” Busch raised his voice above the din of the applause—his sentiment was echoed loudly.

Early the following morning, dozens of runners, some from around the world; including Switzerland, South America, and 27 U.S. States, lined up at the Dent County Commons, awaiting the start of the race in the chilly November air. Young and old, service member and civilian, all united— running to help and recognize those who dedicate their lives to preserve freedom and liberty. At 7:00 a.m., the order was given, and the race to Lion’s Club Park in Rolla was on. One group of service members wore their uniforms and full packs. One of the men had adorned his pack with an American Flag, which waved with each step as the early morning sun peaked over the horizon.