Boot Campaign Hero Ambassador to Lace Up Combat Boots for CareFirst Rock ‘n’ Roll USA ½ Marathon!
Boot Campaign Hero Ambassador to Lace Up Combat Boots for CareFirst Rock ‘n’ Roll USA ½ Marathon!
Cpl. Ryan Lamke (USMC) will run the CareFirst Rock ‘n’ Roll USA ½ Marathon in Boot Campaign Combat Boots. 5K race being held on the same day will benefit Boot Campaign.
Washington, D.C. – March 4, 2014 – On Saturday, March 15, 2014 Boot Campaign Hero Ambassador Cpl. Ryan Lamke (USMC) will lace up his Boot Campaign combat boots to run in the Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon & CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Rock ‘n’ Roll USA ½ Marathon in Washington, D.C. Don’t let Cpl. Lamke run alone! We invite you to join us in our Nation’s Capital to run alongside Cpl. Lamke in support of our nation’s bravest defenders. Sign up to run with us on March 15th or make a donation to motivate team Boot Campaign. Get your BOOTS ON at Rock ‘n’ Roll USA and support our troops through the Boot Campaign: http://www.crowdrise.com/USARocknRollMarathon2014
“We are honored to have Cpl. Lamke lead ‘Team Boot Campaign’ on this run through our nation’s capital,” said Danielle Zopf, Boot Campaign Resource Development Director. “With each stride, our Boot-wearing runners will perpetuate the Boot Campaign’s devotion to cultivating awareness, promoting patriotism and ultimately providing much needed assistance to our military and their families. We encourage nearby residents to join us on race day. For those who cannot make it to D.C., we hope you’ll consider making a donation to motivate ‘Team Boot Campaign’ across the finish line.”
Ryan Lamke entered the Marine Corps in January 2005. Two weeks after completing infantry training in July 2005, Ryan was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq as an Infantry Assaultman with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment. While in Iraq, he was involved in several blasts from Improvised Explosive Devices and Rocket Propelled Grenades that inflicted a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and several orthopedic injuries.
Despite these injuries, Ryan continued with his unit through the entirety of the deployment. In 2007, Ryan deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
(Special Operations Capable) to fulfill a variety of international assistance and cooperation roles throughout the Near East and Africa. Ryan temporarily retired as a Corporal in December 2008, due to the TBI. He has continued to advocate for the disabled veteran population, raising awareness of student veteran issues, Post-Traumatic Stress and TBI issues, and unintended consequences of government regulations that impede the care and recovery of our nation’s wounded warriors.
Ryan graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree from Georgetown University, in May 2013. Shortly before his graduation, Ryan’s rehabilitation took a promising turn. Having worked tirelessly to rehabilitate his mind and body, Ryan was found fit for duty and began the process of re-enlisting into the Marine Corps Selected Reserves and intends to seek his commission once reinstated into the Fleet Marine Force.
Throughout his military and civilian career, Ryan has received several awards and recognitions including The Purple Heart Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, three Iraq Campaign Medals, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, a Presidential Letter of Appreciation from President George W. Bush, and the 2009 Advocates in Disability Award from the HSC Foundation.
Rock ‘n’ Roll USA offers unmatched scenery in the form of iconic landmarks from start to finish. Runners will gather on Constitution Avenue, and will view the White House on the right and the stunning Washington Monument on the left as they head toward George Washington University. The course then loops back towards the National Mall and Lincoln Memorial, passing West Potomac Park and crossing the Arlington Memorial Bridge. Marathoners will view the US Supreme Court and US Capitol building before enjoying more than 3 scenic miles along the Anacostia River’s waterfront. The race is the only marathon run entirely within the District of Columbia. Rock ‘n’ Roll USA will feature a 5K race benefitting the Boot Campaign.
Visit the Boot Campaign at the Health & Fitness Expo at the DC Armory on Thursday and Friday before the run. The Expo, which is free to the general public, features interactive activities, educational sessions and expert speakers along with 80 exhibitors providing free samples, giveaways and health and fitness information.
Rock ‘n’ Roll USA marks the second partnership this year between the Boot Campaign and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. Boots were worn on January 19th at the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon in Phoenix, AZ.
