Supporting our troops

Back around Thanksgiving, I wrote a column in Dutchess County’s Finest Daily Newspaper about a special Turkey Trot run in Afghanistan, which was aided by support from my local running club – Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club.

A local soldier, Mark Baaden, commands a troop in Afghanistan and wanted to have a special event for some runners in his unit. After emailing Major Baaden for the article, I came up with the idea of putting together a “care package” for him and his unit consisting of Marist Athletics Team Gear. I solicited contributions from other coaches, and the result was a big box filled with about 30 shirts from our various varsity sports teams.

It took about two weeks for the box to arrive at Baaden’s location on the side of a remote mountain in Afghanistan – he said mail is often dropped from many feet above from a helicopter. You can see the photo above of the men and women in his unit, sporting the Marist gear.

Major Baaden is a recreational runner who participates in MHRRC races when he is home. He is scheduled to return to Dutchess County in April. As with all of our military forces who protect our freedom around the globe, we wish him well and pray for his safe return home.