wear blue: run to remember Honors Veterans With Inspiring Event at BECU
In a powerful event last month, Lisa Hallett, co-founder of wear blue: run to remember visited BECU to honor veterans and share her moving story . This event, hosted by BECU’s Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG), resonated deeply as employees and veterans came together around Veterans Day to reflect on service, sacrifice, and resilience.
Lisa Hallett’s journey is a testament to the strength found in healthy coping and community. After losing her husband, CPT John Hallett, in combat, Lisa turned to running to navigate her grief. Recognizing the mental and physical health benefits of movement, she channeled her pain into purpose, using running as a way to honor her husband’s legacy and find clarity in the midst of loss. Every year, Lisa continues to push her limits and redefine what is possible by completing long endurance runs, embodying her belief in facing challenges head-on. Her journey also emphasizes the importance of not facing grief alone. Through wear blue: run to remember, Lisa has cultivated a supportive community where surviving families, veterans, and supporters can heal and grow together through purposeful steps of remembrance.
Read about Lisa’s most recent 150K Challenge HERE
Lisa Hallett’s journey, born from personal loss, has transformed into a global movement that supports military families and honors the fallen. Her message inspired attendees to find strength in adversity and take purposeful steps toward building a supportive community.
“Lisa’s story spoke to my soul and resonated with me,” shared Bodhi Severns, a BECU employee. “The way Lisa shows up for her family, community, and others is inspirational. She is a force to be reckoned with, and I love that she took her passion for running to give back.”
For many BECU employees, the event underscored the importance of supporting the veteran community. Margaret Leppla, a BECU employee whose son has served for 17 years, reflected: “The sacrifices these men and women make for our country is a debt we can never repay. Hearing Lisa’s story inspired me to be stronger, to overcome challenges, and to pursue the things I’ve long wanted to do.”
As a veteran herself, BECU employee Robin Garrett-State emphasized the significance of camaraderie and shared experiences: “Events like this remind me of how fortunate I am to have had the chance to experience the veteran community. Lisa’s story demonstrates how grief can be transformed into a driving passion that uplifts others.”
The event also showcased BECU’s commitment to its veteran employees and members, illustrating how the intersection of personal resilience and professional support can create ripples of impact. Alan Wilson, a BECU employee, likened the work of wear blue: run to remember to a ripple effect. “In Lisa’s case, this was more like a tsunami. It was a message of hope and a call to action, not just for the veteran community but for all of us.”
BECU is proud to champion initiatives that uplift and honor veterans, ensuring their stories and sacrifices remain at the forefront of community consciousness. By hosting events like this, BECU reaffirms its dedication to empowering veterans through connection, resilience, and shared purpose.
To learn more about wear blue’s mission to honor the fallen, support the fighting, and serve military families, visit www.wearblueruntoremember.org.
