In March, in conjunction with Women’s History month, wear blue honors the service and sacrifice of our nation’s more than 400,000 female Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and Guardians currently serving our nation for a purpose greater than themselves, and the generations who walked before them
We are honored to announce the 2025 Piestewa Challenge, a meaningful community event closing Women’s History Month this March. This year’s challenge honors the service and sacrifice of all women who have served our nation and died as a result of their military service. Inspired by SPC Lori Ann Piestewa, the first Native American woman service member killed in combat on foreign soil and the first female service member to fall in Iraq, this event carries deep significance.
Starting on March 23, 2025, participants will take purposeful steps in teams of 4–6, completing a 150-mile challenge. Together, we will remember the women who served and sacrificed for our country. Each mile represents a story, a life, and a legacy, creating a powerful tribute to their enduring impact.
At wear blue, we honor all who wear the uniform. This challenge furthers our mission of supporting the families of fallen service members while uniting our community in honor, movement, and remembrance.
About the Challenge
The Piestewa Challenge is more than just a run—it’s a celebration of movement and community! Hosted virtually through the Racery platform, participants can track their miles as they contribute to their team’s total. Not a runner? No problem! Whether you run, walk, hike, bike, swim, row, weight train, push-rim, or do yoga, every activity counts! Our easy conversion system turns your favorite workouts into run/walk miles, ensuring everyone can participate. Join us in taking purposeful steps to honor the sacrifices of brave women while building camaraderie, staying active, and making every mile count!
Who is Lori Piestewa?
SPC Lori Ann Piestewa, born 14 December 1979, was the first Native American woman service member to be killed in combat on foreign soil and the first female service member killed in Iraq. Born in December 1979 in Tuba City, Arizona, Lori came from a family with a strong military tradition. She joined the Army to provide a secure future for her two children. In 2003, while deployed with the 507th Maintenance Company in Iraq, Lori’s unit was ambushed. She was critically injured and later died from her wounds. Her bravery, commitment, and sacrifice continue to inspire her family and the nation.
To learn more about SPC Piestewa’s story, click here.
Have Questions?
Email Alethea Bordwell, Director of the Piestewa Challenge.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
This year, participants across the nation will unite to honor SPC Lori Ann Piestewa and all women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. By taking purposeful steps toward the 150-mile goal, you join a powerful movement that recognizes the contributions of women in the military, including those from Indigenous and underrepresented communities.
Together, we honor their service, their sacrifice, and their enduring legacy.
Be part of the wear blue community and take purposeful steps wherever you are.
Partner with wear blue to honor service and sacrifice by engaging your employees in the 2025 Piestewa Challenge, a meaningful and inclusive event closing Women’s History Month. Teams will complete 150 miles together in honor of the women who have served our nation and died as a result of their military service, creating a powerful collective tribute. Explore the benefits of partnering with wear blue and learn how your organization can get involved.
Become a Partner
Many wear blue Community Run programs may host an in-person Circle of Remembrance and run on Saturday, 29 March, to close out the Piestewa Challenge. These gatherings provide an opportunity to honor the women who have served and sacrificed while uniting with others in purposeful movement. Whether you’re completing your final miles or coming together to reflect and connect, this special event is a meaningful way to finish strong.
Community Runs
Helpful Information
Not a runner? Don’t fret; we will help you convert your activity into run/walk miles for your team. View our Activity Mileage Conversion Chart.
New to Racery? Click here for a quick tutorial to learn how to log activities and message your team.
Piestewa Event Information FAQ’s
*Source of names and number of females killed in action from Defense Casualty Analysis System, as of January 1, 2022.
Partner with us
Our partners make it possible to support military families, veterans, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Visit our Partner Page to explore the opportunities and learn how you can make an impact with us. Together, we remember.