When asked by Military Times how she thought she’d feel after completing the Sunday’s run, she paused and took a deep breath.
Her husband was her best friend, her better half, the father of her children, and they planned an extraordinary life together. But at some point, Hallett realized she needed to continue growing and shaping herself in ways that weren’t defined by her husband’s death.
The wear blue: run to remember community unites runners, walkers, veterans, service members, Gold Star families, and supporters to honor the service and sacrifice of the American military. Founded by co-founder Lisa Hallett and after the loss of CPT John Hallett in 2009, wear blue has grown into a nationwide movement offering six impactful programs that support 3,900 lives annually. This community provides a vital network of support, bridging the civilian-military divide, fostering wellness, and creating a lasting legacy of remembrance. The wear blue community stands as a beacon of hope, offering strength and connection to those navigating the challenges of military life and loss.
Our Gold Star Race Program athletes recently completed the San Francisco Marathon, honoring their loved ones' service and sacrifice. Over 20 weeks, these dedicated athletes—Gold Star and surviving family members—trained with professional running coaches and nutrition experts. The program emphasized physical training, emotional resilience, and healthy coping through exercise, which aids in managing grief. During race weekend, athletes participated in community-building activities, emotional support sessions, and a tribute at the wear blue Mile. Their resilience and determination in conquering the 26.2-mile challenge exemplify the strength and spirit of our wear blue community and the impact of honoring loved ones through purposeful steps.
In the heart of our Gold Star Race Program, we are proud to introduce two women who are preparing to take on the challenge of their first full marathon. These women carry the legacy of their fathers with grace, resilience, and unwavering determination. They pay tribute to their fathers' sacrifices and inspire us all with their strength and courage.
We are excited to introduce the next three athletes representing wear blue: run to remember in San Francisco! Their dedication honors the service and sacrifice of the American military. Each brings a unique story and commitment to our cause. Join us in welcoming these inspiring individuals and stay tuned for their incredible journeys and achievements!
As we count down the days to the San Francisco Marathon, we're honored to introduce two remarkable athletes from our Gold Star Race Program (GSRP) who are running in memory of their fathers. Meet Quinn and Joe, two sons, driven by love and remembrance, embody the spirit of resilience and dedication.
We are thrilled to introduce the first three athletes representing wear blue: run to remember in San Francisco! Their dedication and spirit embody our mission to honor the service and sacrifice of the American military. Each athlete brings a unique story and an inspiring commitment to our cause. Join us in welcoming these exceptional individuals as they lead the way in our community, uniting and supporting military families, veterans, and Gold Star and Survivng families. Stay tuned for their incredible journeys and achievements!
On a crisp spring morning in Washington, a community united to honor the service and sacrifice of the American military. Among them were fourteen youths from the Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program, holding flags bearing their fathers' names. Mattix (6) and Leilani (4) shared a poignant moment on stage, their bibs reading "my daddy," reminding everyone of the profound sacrifices made. As they and others ran a 5K on Memorial Day, their steps were a tribute to the fallen, their memories, and their enduring legacy. The wear blue: run to remember community embraced each other in shared grief and resilience, ensuring these sacrifices are never forgotten.
In July, a dedicated group of athletes will take on the San Francisco Marathon, embodying resilience, determination, and the spirit of remembrance. Their journey to the finish line is one of healing, growth, and profound personal achievement. Follow along as we introduce each athlete, share their personal stories, and capture the triumphant moments at the finish line. Together, we run to remember, celebrate, and support our military families.
In a remarkable display of endurance and dedication, Mike Gilmartin and his daughter Katie completed 46 miles in the blistering heat of Tennessee during the Mid-State Mile. This challenging event saw participants face temperatures up to 96 degrees, adding to the difficulty of the already daunting course. Mike’s journey to the Mid-State Mile was a testament to his unwavering commitment to honor his good friend and fallen service member, CPT John Hallett.
This alignment between VeteranPCS and wear blue underscores a unique partnership focused on ‘home’. Jason explains, “When I heard about wear blue it just made sense. Leaving home for training and deployments is inevitable in the military, but the one thing that binds us all together is that we look forward to coming home. Serving, honoring, and remembering the ones who don’t make it home is deeply important to the military community as a whole. Every Agent and VA Loan expert on VeteranPCS is fellow military and understands this unique bond.”
Join us at Virginia International Raceway from 19 - 21 July and cheer on Chris Walsh as he continues his winning streak in the TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School championship! Don't miss the excitement as Chris, driving the No. 104 Carrus Callas Raceteam BMW M2 CS, aims to extend his perfect score and clinch the TCX title. Experience the thrill of high-speed racing and support Chris in person at his favorite track. Get your tickets now and be part of the action!
Mike is gearing up for the Mid-State Mile, a challenging Last Man Standing race set on the demanding "Murder Mile" course near Franklin, TN. The one-mile loop features 340 feet of elevation gain and requires runners to complete each lap in under 20 minutes. Mike is preparing with stretching, hydrating, and strategizing with his crew to handle the forecasted hot and humid conditions. Running to honor his friend, CPT John Hallett, and to support wear blue: run to remember, Mike is also collecting donations to aid this national community that honors the service and sacrifice of American military members. The race kicks off at 8 AM CT on Saturday, and Mike’s journey is set to inspire and challenge the limits of endurance.
Lisa Hallett's story is a powerful journey of love, loss, and resilience. From childhood friends to military spouses, Lisa and her husband, John, faced the challenges of military life together. Tragically, John's deployment to Afghanistan ended in his death, leaving Lisa to navigate grief and raise their three young children alone.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Lisa found solace and strength in her children and in running. Through the organization she co-founded, wear blue: run to remember, she honors fallen military members by living a life inspired by their stories of service and sacrifice.
Lisa's story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community in overcoming tragedy.
In 2017, TrueCar launched DrivenToDrive: A program that awards new, retrofitted vehicles to injured veterans. In partnership with DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and AutoNation, TrueCar established the DrivenToDrive program in 2017 with the mission to help veterans get back behind the wheel and regain their independence and freedom through mobility. Many of our recipients continue to be active volunteers within the veteran community; so, the gift of a new vehicle allows them to continue giving back without worry of transportation.
In the heart of every community lies a story of friendship, resilience, and unwavering support. For Mike Gilmartin, this narrative encapsulates his enduring bond with CPT John Hallett, a man whose legacy continues to inspire even 15 years after his passing. Follow along Mike’s journey as he takes on the Mid-State-Mile in June.
