The Spencer C. Duncan Make it Count 5K

On Saturday August 6, 2016, my family and I took part in a 5K run/walk in honor of fallen soldier, Spencer C. Duncan. Five years ago Army Spc. Duncan and 29 other brave American service members were lost in Afghanistan while defending our freedoms. The Spencer C. Duncan Make it Count Foundation was founded by Megan and Dale Duncan, in memory of their brave son. The foundation is dedicated to "supporting organizations, communities, and individuals who choose to make a difference in the lives of veterans."

My family and I joined more than 1,100 other race participants this year at the New Century Air Center in Gardner, Kansas. Just before the race began, the National Anthem was sung while a Chinook helicopter flew overhead carrying an America Flag. The race route began with a banner that read, "You Are Now Entering the Boulevard of the Brave", and along the route soldiers held images of our service members lost in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011. The race took us past a Naval Air Park and a hangar with Chinook helicopters, and at the finish line we ran under an American flag suspended from the ladders of two fire trucks. I was inspired to learn about the story and sacrifice of Spencer C. Duncan, his comrades, and the Duncan family, and was excited to see so many people come out to support this fantastic foundation. To learn more about the Spencer C. Duncan Make it Count Foundation, or for more information about the next Make it Count 5K, please check out our Get Involved page.