MEET OUR MILITARY MOTIVATORS FOR
THE AUSTIN MARATHON
The Comfort Crew has identified motivating stories that will encourage our runners to accomplish their personal running goals during this year’s Austin Marathon and Half Marathon. Last year, several of our runners sent their finisher medals to their Military Motivators as a token of their appreciation. Meet our Military Motivators to see why our runners are inspired during their running journey.
SSG BOBBY HENLINE
On April 7, 2007, tragedy stuck when Bobby’s humvee was hit by a roadside bomb near Bagdad. Of the five men in the vehicle, Bobby was the only survivor. Bobby is an American Hero who spreads joy and hope through his love of stand-up comedy and motivational speaking. Bobby generously shared his family’s story with us which helped to develop our newest resource, Together Again: Helping Military Families Reconnect, which will impact thousands of military kids dealing with a parent returning from deployment: http://youtu.be/c1zzj7QQG0A
SSG BERNIE TEICH
During his service in the Army, Bernie Teich was deployed twice to Iraq. On February 28, 2007, while serving as Bradley Commander, his humvee drove over an IED. Bernie lost his right leg below the knee and his left leg was severely damaged.
Bernie’s tenacity and selflessness has not only helped with his recovery, but has carried on in his family. He is a single father of three wonderful children. Now Bernie gives back and ensures his legacy by taking care of our troops!
SAMANTHA FREDERICK
Samantha is currently deployed with the US Navy, leaving her 3 year old daughter, Aviana, to live with her sister. Aviana had a tough transition when her mother left for deployment. From her deployment location, Samantha visited our Military Families Web Portal and requested a deployment kit. Aviana quickly received some tools to help her cope with the absence of her mom. Samantha is scheduled to return this June.
SPC CHARLIE LEMON
Specialist Charlie Lemon was two months away from coming home from Iraq when his life changed forever. On June 8, 2011, while on a routine mission, Charlie’s humvee was struck by an IED that severed his legs and struck his best friend PFC Matthew England in the neck. Since the incident, Charlie has undergone strenuous recovery in San Antonio, Texas at Brooke Army Medical Center and the Center for the Intrepid. What should have been a 12-18 month recovery period, Charlie completed in 6 months. His tenacity and drive to recover has also allowed him some incredible experiences over the past year, from skydiving, waterskiing, surfing, even getting certified to scuba dive.
CLARENCE MISSELHORN (Pictured here with his brother, Norman)
During WWII, Clarence Misselhorn participated in both the European and Pacific Fronts. He was assigned to the 86th Division in Germany, until he traveled to the Philippines. After the war with Japan had ended, he continued his journey working in a Prisoners of War Camp in the Philippines. Clarence has lost the use of his legs from Parkinson’s disease. He is the last surviving veteran of WWII in a three-county radius. He celebrated his 89th birthday January 29, 2014.
MSG TODD NELSON
On August 26, 2007, after hundreds of convoys throughout the tour in the capital of Kabul, Todd’s convoy passed too close to a suicide bomber with a vehicle-borne IED. He sustained severe physical injuries and a traumatic brain injury. During his recovery, Todd began his speaking career traveling all over the country to talk to audiences about hope, faith and love. During this period, he was also honored with promotion to Master Sergeant and awarded the honored Legion of Merit Award, Purple Heart Award, and Bronze Star Award. He is married to his beautiful wife, Sarah Charlene, and has two beautiful daughters Macaley Laine (19yrs) and Meghan Christine (16yrs).
LT MIKE THORNTON
In May 1992, Lieutenant Thornton retired being the last Congressional Medal of Honor recipient serving on active duty in the Navy. He currently travels over 300 days a year doing speaking engagements and supporting troops. Lieutenant Thornton joined The Comfort Crew Military Advisory Board in 2012. You can see Lt. Thorton’s incredible story first-hand at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc1KrzKavns
Join the Comfort Crew Team by running in the marathon/half marathon or volunteering at our waterstop on February 16, 2014!
Copyright © 2013 The Comfort Crew
