On November 8th, Michael Foresto and I stepped out on a mission to help raise awareness for Veteran Suicide and Post Traumatic Stress for Carry the Fallen. This mission began at 0500 in Hopkinton, MA at the Boston Marathon starting line. We ruck marched (many in full Battle Dress Uniform wearing combat boots and 40lbs of gear) for 12 hours, 26.2 miles to the Boston Marathon finish line on Boylston St. Starting in the cold, pre-dawn darkness, marching throughout the day and finishing in the cold moonlight.

As a retired Staff Sergeant in the United States Air force, this charity and mission hits close to home. I was deployed numerous times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and have suffered from the hidden effects of war. I know the benefits these missions have, which is why it is so important to me to participate and join in the camaraderie. With the funds raised from this charity, we are working to build a military family retreat in Kentucky to help fellow veterans that are returning from war suffering. This retreat will have social and job training, as well as family therapy, in order to help with returning home.

As a Digital Guardian employee, I reached out to my colleagues asking for their support in raising funds for this charity. I was touched by the outpouring of support from my coworkers and was able to raise over $2K and exceed my goal of $5k. I wanted to thank all those that have helped me and given words of encouragement, as well as supported the fundraising efforts for this worthy cause. I am proud to be an employee of such a great company.

If you’re interested in learning more about this charity, head over to the Carry the Fallen website or check out some videos we captured on YouTube.