Run For The Fallen

[darrels joy]

Run For The Fallen



PINCKNEYVILLE -- 15 runners are making their way from Fort Irwin, California to Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington D.C. Each mile they run represents a soldier who has died fighting in Iraq. Tuesday night the group was in Pinckneyville, spending time with families of fallen soldiers from Southern Illinois.

Run for the fallen started as a tribute to one soldier and expanded from there. Every stop along the way the runners meet with friends and families of fallen soldiers.

"We all thought that our sons were gonna be forgotten, we all know that's not true now," said John Hunsell, father of fallen Marine Kyle Price.

The parents of five fallen soldiers from our area spent the night sharing feelings and emotions only they can understand.

"I think all of us find that our sons are still touching people's lives even though they aren't here in the physical," said Gay Eisenhauer, mother of fallen soldier Wyatt Eisenhauer.

Their sons touched the lives of 15 people who have run across the country, at every mile placing an American flag with the name of a fallen soldier.

"Its made me proud to be an American," said Triona Fitsch, one of the runners.

The group runs 60 miles every day, usually in relays. But on Wednesday it will be one man who runs all the way from Nashville to Herrin.

"I'm gonna finish 60, if I have to stop for a few minutes then so be it, but i'm gonna get through 60," said Rettig.

Mike Rettig was inspired to run to honor the fallen soldiers he served with during his time in Iraq. One of those soldiers was Sergeant Brian Romines from Anna.

"Just to know that they're not forgotten, that was a really big concern of mine the day we buried my son," said Melinda Astin, mother of Romines.

The parents of the fallen still keep in touch, each of them says this run makes them proud of their sons.

"I'm proud of this whole group, makes you feel good being here, only we know that," said Hunsell.

Mike Rettig will begin the 60 mile run Wednesday morning at six AM in Nashville, it will end in Herrin. Rettig hopes to finish by about four in the afternoon.

By Ryan Kruger
rkruger@wsiltv.com
http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details...=5332&type=top