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    Pat Tillman's memory runs on

    Pat Tillman's memory runs on

    Photo By Sgt. Samantha Stoffregen | Army Pfc. Justin Baldwin, 209th Military Police Company, deployed from Ft. Polk, La.,...... read more read more

    PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI

    04.21.2010

    Story by Pvt. Samantha Stoffregen 

    11th Public Affairs Detachment

    PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - At barely 7 a.m., the morning heat was already strong at the airfield in Port-au-Prince. He looked to the side, wiped the sweat off his forehead, and gave a half grin.

    "That flag was heavy," said Pfc. Justin Baldwin, 209th Military Police, deployed from Ft. Polk, La.

    Baldwin, who was charged with carrying the American flag, and almost 30 other service members took part in the first running of the Pat Tillman Memorial Run in Haiti. The 4.2 mile run stretched out along the airfield at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport before doubling back to the start.

    "It was easy and I'd certainly run it again," said Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Emekaekwue, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, deployed from Ft. Bragg, N.C.

    Emekaekwue, who finished the run first with a time of 28 minutes, 47 seconds, said he ran just to remember Tillman.

    Staff Sgt. Colin Cathrew, 24th Air Expeditionary Group, and organizer for the run, said he did not expect that many people to turn out.

    "I wasn't expecting [this turn out]," Cathrew said. "I thought it was a little too early but I was really surprised by the turn out. I'm really happy."

    Master Sgt. Elva Marquez, chief medical NCO, surgeon cell, JTF-Haiti, deployed with U.S. Army South, was the first of three females to finish the run.

    "It was enjoyable and good to see all the services," Marquez said. "[Honoring Tillman] was a good [reason] to run."

    The run, which is held across the U.S., Iraq and Afghanistan, was the first of its kind for Haiti, thanks largely in part to Cathrew.

    Cathrew attended college with Tillman and wanted to organize the run in his memory.

    "I was inspired because Patrick Tillman died on this day, [April 22], six years ago," Cathrew said. "He's an individual that I look up to because of the sacrifices he made and what he stood for."

    Tillman played football for Arizona State University and later played for the NFL Arizona Cardinals.

    According to the Pat Tillman Foundation website, Tillman never let the success get to his head. He competed in marathons, pursued his master's degree in history and volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club of Arizona, Boys Hope Girls Hope, and the March of Dimes.

    Following his death, Arizona State University honored Tillman by retiring his jersey number, 42. The number 42 is also why Tillman's memorial run is 4.2 miles.

    Cathrew said he tried to model his life after that of Tillman. He added that Tillman made many sacrifices in his life and these sacrifices are what made him a great leader and someone to look up to.

    "He gave up millions of dollars to stay with the Arizona Cardinals and then he left the Arizona Cardinals and gave up millions of dollars to get a paycheck just like us [service members] when he enlisted in the Army," Cathrew said.

    Not more than a year after the Sept. 11 attacks, Tillman and his brother, Kevin, enlisted in the Army. He served multiple tours in Iraq and in Afghanistan. During his last deployment to Afghanistan, Tillman's unit came under attack. Tillman was killed during the fire fight by friendly fire.

    "The two things that struck me about [Patrick Tillman] were how down to earth he was and the great sacrifices he made as a person and as an Army corporal," Cathrew said. "He made the ultimate sacrifice for his country."

    Cathrew took the opportunity to sacrifice a little to honor his fallen friend.

    "I felt like a run is something that we could sacrifice a little of our time for, just to honor him," Cathrew said. "That's what we're really here for today, to honor the life he lived."

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 04.21.2010
    Date Posted: 04.25.2010 23:03
    Story ID: 48683
    Location: PORT-AU-PRINCE, HT

    Web Views: 331
    Downloads: 213

    PUBLIC DOMAIN