This Army veteran will ruck Boston in honor of fallen comrades

On our websiteWhy am I running?“, Boston Marathon athletes share what inspires them to take on the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for the Boston Marathon Pop-up Newsletter at Boston.com.

name: Jeff Fulton
Age: 42
From: Simpsonville, South Carolina

I served 12 years in the United States Army as a combat engineer and completed two combat tours in Afghanistan. During one of our missions to clear the road, our patrol was attacked. A foot soldier standing next to me was hit by an RPG. That soldier was SSG Shaw.

Moments like this stay with you forever. The courage, the sacrifice, and the fact that some men willingly stand up to protect their brothers, even knowing the cost may be their lives.

When I learned about the Tough Ruck Marathon in Boston, I immediately knew I had to participate. For me, this match is about honoring SSG Shaw and preserving the memory of a true hero who gave everything for his team.

But my mission goes beyond one name. Since returning home, I have seen the lasting impact of the invisible wounds that many soldiers carry. Often, these injuries are not recognized or treated in a timely manner. The men and women who served alongside me deserved support long after the mission was over.

This year, I will be celebrating in honor of the 19 brothers and one military dog ​​who are no longer with us – soldiers who paid the ultimate price either overseas or after returning home. Each mile represents their sacrifice, their service and the bond that never fades.

Training for this event is a lot of effort, but when the miles get longer, I think about it. Their memory drives me forward.

They may be gone, but they will never be forgotten.

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Editor’s Note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.