Belvoir Soldier runs race for a cause

It takes a lot to put together a 36-leg relay, but having 12 people shoulder the load for a good cause makes it a little easier to swallow.

And so begins the task of Capt. Matt Miller of Echo Company, 169th Engineer Battalion, in preparation for the American Odyssey Relay.

The race begins in Gettysburg, Pa. on April 29 and winds its way to a finish in Washington, D.C. April 30. Most teams consist of 12 people, which allows each member to tackle three of the 36 segments apiece in the 200-plus mile event.

According to AOR Founding Race Director Bob Fleshner, the event offers a great opportunity for the military, including a course map that passes through battle sites such as Antietam, Md. and national monuments in Washington, D.C.

Additionally, the teamwork and physical fitness aspects have great appeal for the military.

This year's race will also implement a Commander's Cup trophy - something Flesher believes could help foster competition between military teams in a fun and productive way.

"In 2010, we noticed that the different branches of the military were really into the race and were talking trash to each other in a fun, competitive way," he said. "They all wanted to be the fastest military team. So we decided it might make sense and be fun to make the competition between them more formal."

For Miller, the chance to participate allows him to give something back.

"I just saw this as a great opportunity - you don't turn something like this down. It's a chance to make a difference, so it was a no-brainer for me," Miller said.

Miller will run in honor of Team Red, White and Blue, a non-profit organization that helps Wounded Warriors transition from service to civilian life.

The group offers personal interaction with a sponsor and focuses on long-term relationship building with each Soldier.

Miller said he saw firsthand what Soldiers experienced when he came to Fort Belvoir from Iraq in 2007. He said he had access to many wounded Soldiers when they came to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and his goal was to maintain as much contact as possible to let them know someone cared.

"It's difficult to transition from having a whole social network to being in a medical facility like Reed," he continued. "You just have to figure out how to help in some small way."

Both Team Red, White and Blue and the AOR give Miller that outlet.

"I've seen the sacrifices of Soldiers, so to have an opportunity to give back and raise awareness, I really feel like it's something I have to do," he said.

With plenty of military family members to boot, some of whom will embark on the relay by his side, Miller said it's good to be surrounded by those who "get it. They just understand the whole military experience," he said.

A former goalie at West Point, Miller admits running isn't his strongest suit. "I'm not a runner, I just run," he confessed with a smile. "But when it's something you care about, you just gotta make it happen."

Editor's note: More information on the American Odyssey Relay is available at www.americanodysseyrelay.com.