Meet Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athlete Rolando Montana, a Vietnam-era Gold Star child running the Marine Corps Marathon in honor of his father, SGT Rosendo Montana, who was killed in action on 15 April 1970 during the Vietnam War. Through running, volunteering, and sharing remembrance with his own children, Rolando continues to honor his father’s service and help ensure the lives and sacrifices of fallen service members are never forgotten.

Meet wear blue’s Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athlete Carlos Hernandez, an active-duty Marine returning to the Marine Corps Marathon in honor of his younger brother, Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez. After completing the marathon last year and vowing not to run another, Carlos found a renewed purpose through his brother’s memory, his children’s growing interest in running, and a community that brings healing and remembrance together. This October, he will continue to do hard things in honor of Armando.

Meet wear blue’s Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athlete Yesenia Souders, an active-duty Army Major who is preparing for her first full marathon in honor of her late husband, SSG Cristian Gilfranco. Inspired by Cristian’s endurance, determination, and ability to find good in difficult situations, Yesenia is taking on 26.2 miles while continuing to honor his life, service, and legacy.

Meet wear blue’s Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athlete Jessica, who is taking on her first marathon in honor of her brother, SPC Jarrod A. Lallier, a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. As a mother of three and an elementary school teacher, Jessica is making time for training while carrying Jarrod’s story forward and honoring the fallen service members represented by her cohort.

Meet Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athlete Rae Herlong, who is returning to the marathon distance she once struggled to complete, this time in honor of her younger brother, Army SSG Nolan Parks Barham. Training for the Marine Corps Marathon has given Rae a way to remember her brother, carry the names of others in her cohort, and take on 26.2 miles with a community beside her.

Meet wear blue’s Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athletes Tim and Kay Jabin, who are returning to running together nearly 40 years after they first ran as a young couple. This October, they will take on the Marine Corps Marathon in honor of their son, AW Tyrone Anthony Jabin, carrying his memory with them through every mile and finding strength in the time they share on the road.

Meet Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athlete Julie Sperry, a lifelong runner who is taking on her first marathon in honor of her late husband, SGT Jon M. Skogen. Jon “absolutely hated running,” but he supported Julie’s love for it. Now, every training run gives Julie an opportunity to honor his life and service while carrying his memory with her toward 26.2 miles.

Meet Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athlete Emma Lindberg, who will return to the Marine Corps Marathon this October to run the same course her late husband, Captain Jack Casey, USMC, ran in 2019. After seeing Jack’s poster along the Tribute wear blue Mile during her first MCM in 2025, Emma is returning with a larger support system and a renewed purpose to represent Jack and carry his legacy with her.

Meet Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athlete Megan Walters, who is training for her first marathon while carrying the words of her late husband, CPT Brandon Walters, with her. “You can” is tattooed on Megan’s wrist in Brandon’s handwriting, a reminder of his belief in her as she takes on the challenge of 26.2 miles.

Meet Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athlete Kenna Campbell, who will run her first full marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon in honor of her dad, Major Shawn M. Campbell, who died on 14 January 2016. Ten years after losing her dad at age nine, Kenna is preparing to run 26.2 miles while carrying his memory with her every step.