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WASHINGTON, DC – The 22nd Annual Army Ten-Miler, America’s largest 10-mile race, attracts 24,000 runners from all over the world to run a course that starts and finishes at the Pentagon and passes through DC. Participation in the Army’s premier event holds significant meaning to Soldiers and civilians alike. One group of special interest is “Missing Parts in Action” (MPIA). This team is made up of military amputees as well as their physical therapists. The team made its Army Ten-Miler debut in 2004, and while many runners are different this year, they all have the same courage and strength.
Members of Missing Parts in Action do not allow their injuries to hold them back. Team Captain, Maj. David Rozelle lost his right foot to an anti-tank mine in June 2003. After nine months of grueling rehabilitation, Rozelle was declared fit for duty and took command of the 3rd Armored Cavalry headquarters unit only one year after he lost his foot. He is the first amputee in recent military history to resume a dangerous command in the field.
“This is my third year to be part of the Missing Parts in Action Team. I began the program, three years ago with a few guys to remind the Army that we hadn’t given up. Three years later, we are running with 18 proud amputees. These men and women are honored to have served in the Global War on Terror and continue to show excellence in their recovery. Running the Army Ten-Miler as an amputee is a living symbol of the Warrior Ethos, “I will never quit,” and as a team we display the most important Warrior Ethos, “I will never leave a fallen comrade behind,” said Rozelle.
Other team members have unique stories too. A suicide bomber in Iraq took Spc. Derek McGinnis’ left leg in November 2004. Growing up in California, McGinnis was an avid surfer and he vowed that his injury would not keep him out of the water. In the summer of 2006, he rallied 12 other military amputees to join him for surfing lessons and an impromptu surfing competition in California.
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class, Casey Tibbs, lost his right leg below the knee in a motorcycle accident in March 2001. After training to walk and run in his prosthesis, Tibbs convinced the Navy to allow him to remain on active duty. In 2004 he became the first active-duty military member to compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens. He returned with both silver and gold around his neck with the silver in the pentathlon and the gold in the 4x100 meter relay. He is currently training for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing with hopes to win gold in the 100 meter, 200 meter, and 400 meter events.
The newest member of the team is Pfc. James Stuck. He lost part of his right leg only four days before Christmas in 2005. Stuck was driving an up-armored Humvee when an improvised explosive device detonated. During his rehabilitation, experts stated that Stuck showed an incredibly high level of motivation to heal and get active. Only a few short months after his accident, Stuck hit the ski slopes of Vail, Colorado, quickly mastering the sport.
There are three opportunities to interview the 18 members of Missing Parts in Action Team. They are:
1. Army Ten-Miler Press Conference/Panel Discussions on Friday, Oct. 6, 1 p.m. at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, Alexandria Room.
2. Start line photo op on race day at 7:50 a.m. and/or immediately after the race in the media tent area.
3. To schedule an interview, please contact the media relations team at the numbers above or visit our website at: www.armytenmiler.com.
About the Army Ten-Miler
The 22nd Army Ten-Miler takes place on Sunday, October 8. Association of the US Army (AUSA) and KBR are the co-lead sponsors for this year’s event. This Army tradition annually attracts runners of a variety of experience levels from all over the world to run a course that starts and finishes at the Pentagon and passes such national landmarks as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Race weekend activities begin on Friday, October 6 and include a free and open to the public two-day Race Expo presented by Spring! by Dannon, clinics and a press conference. Race day features the Health Net Federal Services Youth Runs, the 94.7 Post Race Party featuring bands, entertainment and a live broadcast, the HOOAH Tent Zone, and the Health Net Federal Services Youth Activity Zone complete with Army racing displays, inflatables, celebrity appearances, the GEICO Gecko, and much more! For more information on DC’s premier running event, visit ww.armytenmiler.com.
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