wear blue: run to remember will be in Washington, D.C., for the Marine Corps Marathon, standing alongside our partners—BlueCross BlueShield, JLL, and TRSS—to support our Gold Star and Surviving family members. This year, we’re introducing 8 inspiring Gold Star Race Program participants who have taken on the challenge of running in honor of their fallen loved ones.
Through the Gold Star Race Program, everyday heroes—working adults, mothers, and fathers—navigate the demands of daily life while coping with their grief. Our athletes train for and complete an endurance race in honor of their loved ones. Over 20 weeks, they received mentoring, nutrition advice, peer-to-peer support, and built lasting friendships. The program transforms grief into purpose, allowing participants to honor their fallen in a deeply meaningful way.
Today, we’re proud to introduce two of these incredible athletes: Michael Moore and Carla Sizer, whose stories of resilience and remembrance demonstrate the powerful connection between grief, purpose, and community.
Michael Moore
Father of Cpl Jacob M Moore
United States Marine Corps
19 March 2022
Meet Michael
I work for CSX Railroad. Participating in the Gold Star Race Program is important to me because it provides opportunities to connect with other families, share stories of our lost loved ones, and honor and remember them all over the country. Running and completing a marathon in honor of my son helps me cope with the grief I will always carry. This great organization will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I run for my son, Cpl. Jacob Moore, one of the kindest and most caring people you could ever meet. He always wanted to make his family proud and stood up for those who couldn't. His patriotism was undeniable, and when he enlisted, he was committed to becoming the best Marine he could be. Our bond was strengthened by the hobbies we enjoyed together, especially our time spent outdoors hunting.
Meet Carla
As a program manager, mentor, life coach, and college professor/advisor, my involvement in this program is profoundly personal. It connects me to my son, Dane, the military, the pursuit of excellence, and a community of runners who share an understanding of sacrifice and service. This run holds significant meaning, influencing my life and preserving the legacy of my son and others who have served.
Dane, born in 1988 at Luke AFB, AZ, came from a family with a strong military heritage. He excelled in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), enlisted in the Army, and served in Iraq. On September 5, 2007, he was tragically killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. His legacy is honored through various tributes, including a bridge and street named in his honor in San Antonio, TX, a memorial park and an American Legion Post in Falcon, CO. Additionally, the SPC Dane R. Balcon Memorial Fund organizes an annual golf event to provide scholarships and grants to JROTC seniors, further commemorating his dedication and service.
Carla Sizer
Mother of SPC Dane R Balcon
United States Army
KIA 5 September 2007
For the fallen. For the fighting. For the families.
These participants, and many others like them, embody the heart of wear blue: run to remember’s mission. Every run, every flag, and every name honors the stories of our fallen service members, ensuring their legacies live on. Through the dedication of our community—volunteers, athletes, and supporters alike—we create a living memorial that bridges the gap between military and civilian life. We unite to remember the sacrifices made, honor the families left behind, and provide a space for healing, connection, and purposeful action. Together, we ensure that the stories of our heroes are never forgotten.