Honoring and Remembering

In 2008, the first National Run for the Fallen began as a cross-country run in honor and remembrance of all fallen service members killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  The team ran in a relay style, spanning over 4,000 miles from California to Arlington National Cemetery.  Runners marked each mile of their cross-country journey with an American flag and personalized sign card in honor of every fallen service member.  Over 9000 runners in nine countries and 43 states collectively ran approximately 36,000 miles.

 In 2009, Houston Run for the Fallen  was founded by mother and daughter team, Melinda Merillat and Steffani Erickson to honor family member, Marine Scout Sniper Cpl. John R. Stalvey.  Corporal Stalvey was killed in action October 3, 2005 by an improvised explosive device (IED) while conducting combat operations near Karbala, Iraq.

Houston Run for the Fallen is simply a way to unite as a community who seek to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.  The objective of Houston Run for the Fallen is to first and foremost honor fallen soldiers and their families and then to honor active and veteran service members and the organizations that support them.

Participants are encouraged to run or walk 1 mile for a service member.  Some participants will
do more than a mile, some will do much less while others push strollers and wheelchairs or pull wagons carrying little children for whatever distance they choose.

"As I walked the track, I talked with others around me. Hearing about these heroes was incredibly moving. It made the journey even more poignant. I'm already looking forward to next year's event."     Charlie - Galveston, Tx.