#171: Army Vet Rucking For 9/11 Heroes and Helping Other Veterans Heal

Run The Race

Soon, we will mark 22 years since the September 11 horrific attack on America. My guest on this episode is leading an event honoring 9/11 heroes and the soldiers that have died fighting in wars since then. And this veteran is also rucking his way to better mental health. After I give a quick recap of my new (fastest) 5K PR at a midnight race, then what Tim Tebow told myself and a crowd in GA, (6:00) we get to know SSG (Ret) Lee Rollins! He talks about where he was - as a young soldier - on September 11, 2001...eventually deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan which "changes your soul." (13:17) We discuss how he and you can help veterans and Gold Star families (who've lost a loved one in military service) through organizations like the Travis Manion Foundation. That's the beneficiary of a 9/11 heroes 5K run happening all around the nation on Saturday morning September 9, including in Columbus GA (Chattahoochee Valley). You can register now to help with youth programs, especially Gold Star family members: https://www.travismanion.org/events/911-heroes-run/2023-chattahoochee-valley/. (22:38) Travis Manion, the marine LT killed in Iraq, was known for saying "If not me, then who." Lee talks about being proactive, inspiring each other, doing acts of kindness - like Travis. A big passion for this pod guest is (25:12) rucking, good cardio and mental challenge for this veteran who had an injury that forced him into medical retirement. Walking or hiking with that ruck sack is like therapy for him and other vets, but you got to do it the correct way to avoid inury! He's a part or regular group rucks in East Alabama and West Georgia. (37:40) Lee also is focused, on and off his job, to help veterans transition from military to civilian life, especially with getting jobs and their mental health. He talks about what he does through Work for Warriors Georgia, with some inspiring stories! (45:58) And is this retured US Army sniper school instructor...still a good shot? Shooting/hunting, fishing, rucking, other sports and hobbies are also a great way to bond, he says, through tough times of grief and PTSD. (54:10) I close out the episode with a prayer for our military and more. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.