Pony Express | MEET OUR 2018 GRAND MARSHAL SERGEANT (RET) MICHAEL SPIVEY

During his second deployment, Sergeant Spivey was serving with the United States Marine Corps (DarkHorse Battalion) when he was injured by an improvised explosive device in December 2010. He lost his left arm below the elbow and suffered shrapnel injuries to his back and legs. He was introduced to para snowboarding during his rehabilitation, and in an incredible journey of resilience and determination, recently qualified for the USA Paralympic Snowboarding team in Banked Slalom and Bordercross. At this writing he and his wife Kris are in South Korea preparing for the Opening Ceremonies Friday, March 9!

One purpose in honoring these prior wounded Marines is to give them and their Marine Corps brothers a place they can come on Memorial Day to honor their fallen friends among others who are doing the same. A second, as important purpose, is to celebrate the recovery, resilience and character these Marines demonstrate.

This sentiment we drew from Gold Star sibling Kathleen Kelly, whose brother 1stLt Robert M. Kelly was killed in the same deployment. Her words “Live for those who came before, run for those who can’t” stuck with us. Our goal is to do both on Memorial Day.

The city Half Marathon, 5 and 10K is set for Monday, May 28th this year, and will be the 20th anniversary of the event. In 2011 , the race was renamed in honor of 3rdBattalion,5thMarines. Since that time, we have had as our participants Marines, Veterans, and Gold Star family members among the participants each year. “TeamKelly” runners are present each year, with their tee shirts that bear Robert’s name. Gold Star families come from as far as Arkansas and Mexico, others from California. You can find the gathering of many of these wonderful people by the Marine Corps Static Display, and at our Team Darkhorse Booth after the race and during the EXPO following the race.