Brian’s message:

Dear, readers, runners, friends, family, supporters, anyone who has searched or found this very committed inspirational quest, My name is PFC Brian, C Bales. I’ve been in Iraq serving our country since January of 2009. My mother Vivian sends me and forwards me all of your very motivating and life touching emails on a daily basis.

As i sit and read them i think about how far we have all come as people, as citizens of this great country…our sacrifice as soldiers has become a truly life touching event for millions of people around the world. My life in the short time I’ve been here has changed significantly, it has been a hard and a long deployment thus far…but as the perils of combat have become increasingly stressful I find comfort in my family and anyone who has taken the time to run just one mile for me, and for the soldiers of the united states Army, and other branches.

Being here has changed my life forever it has been a very difficult task in my life…but for every mile and every letter I read I become a stronger individual and a stronger soldier…to know that my duty overseas defending your freedom and the freedom of humans in general around the world has become so recognized and respected…all of you who donate these miles are true American heroes… I read how many people refer to me as a hero and it makes me so proud…but what makes me more proud as a soldier is knowing that its heroes like you all that bring us home safely..you give us the strength and courage to keep running our race overseas…to keep rucking that last mile…to keep pushing on in our own quest for freedom…take my words as you will, but know that if you’re one of the very honorable people that have dedicated their time to me and to the fine Americans I have pleasure to be here with… my respect and honor will always be somewhere in your heart as you continue to reach your goals as a runner or as a person. All of your ambitions have truly helped me and my fellow soldiers get this far in our deployment to the middle east.

- PFC Brian Bales

If you’d like to send Brian a message, you can email Brian directly at bbales223@yahoo.com