For Gold Star spouses Mimi Martin and Kristin Johnson, running with wear blue: run to remember was about more than honoring their fallen husbands—it was about finding hope and connection. Through the Gold Star Race Program, these two women formed an unbreakable bond that has carried them through the toughest miles of life. Now, they’re reuniting at the Alumni Weekend in San Antonio to celebrate the friendships and community wear blue has given them. Read their inspiring story and how wear blue continues to honor, connect, and uplift its members.

Kristin Johnson discovered wear blue: run to remember by chance while running her first Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon. A powerful and emotional moment on the tribute wear blue Mile—a poster honoring her husband, CPL Joshua Harmon—sparked a journey of healing, connection, and purpose. Kristin shares how wear blue and the Gold Star Race Program transformed her life, leading her to lifelong friendships and countless miles of meaningful remembrance.

This December, wear blue: run to remember will host its inaugural Gold Star Race Program Alumni Weekend in San Antonio, uniting nearly 50 alumni from across the nation to honor their fallen service members. From running the marathon or half marathon to carrying flags on the wear blue Mile, this weekend celebrates connection, community, and the enduring legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Sponsored by KPMG and JLL, the event is a powerful tribute to service and remembrance.

wear blue: run to remember proudly partnered with the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon to honor fallen military heroes through a moving Circle of Remembrance. Held just after Veterans Day, this tribute brought together runners, veterans, and supporters to speak the names of the fallen and carry their memory forward with every step.

wear blue: run to remember is proud to announce Mary Goebel, AVP and Chief of Staff at USAA Life Insurance Company, as the newest member of its Board of Directors. With over 25 years of leadership experience and a heartfelt connection to the military community, Mary’s passion for honoring service members, veterans, and their families will help shape the future of wear blue’s mission.

wear blue: run to remember, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of the U.S. military, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Military Community Nonprofit Leadership Award by Hiring Our Heroes. Presented by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this award celebrates wear blue's impactful efforts to unite service members, veterans, Gold Star families, and supporters through community-driven remembrance and purposeful movement. CEO Lisa Hallett affirmed the organization’s mission: “Choosing to be inspired by life, rather than being broken by tragedy.” Learn how wear blue is creating lasting legacies of resilience and connection.

The Defense Department highlights how runners, including Gold Star families, honored fallen service members during the 48th Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, VA. Participants connected through remembrance miles lined with photos and flags honoring military members who made the ultimate sacrifice. The event fostered community and reflection, underscoring the importance of preserving memories and supporting families.

Volunteering is an integral part of the military community. From building connections to offering support during challenging times, volunteers create lasting impacts. In this insightful article from We Are the Mighty, we learn how giving time and effort strengthens bonds within the military family and beyond. At wear blue: run to remember, we see this dedication every day through our volunteers who honor the fallen and uplift their communities. Discover how you can make a difference by reading the full article here.

This Marine Corps Marathon weekend, the wear blue community is invited to honor the service and sacrifice of our fallen heroes. Join us along the tribute wear blue Mile, sponsored by BlueCross Blue Shield, JLL, and the 7-Eleven Cares Foundation, as we support two inspiring Gold Star athletes, Lorena Castro and Rosalia Carrasco. Both teachers, they run in memory of their loved ones, PFC Juan Luis Castro and CPL Tony Carrasco Jr., and embody the power of remembrance and healing.

As the Marine Corps Marathon approaches, Sommer Taha and Amie Kalsbeek reflect on their 20-week journey of dedication, resilience, and remembrance. As part of the Gold Star Race Program, they’ve trained not only for themselves but in honor of their loved ones—SSG Ayman Taha and ENS John Untalan Kalsbeek. Their race is a tribute to the heroes they’ve lost, reminding us of the strength found in love and community.