Military Officer - August 2008 - (Page 30)

rapidfire Reserve Spotlight L t. Van Allen Zallee, ARNG, walked the 2007 Portland (Ore.) Marathon in under seven hours. Typical marathon walkers complete the 26.2 miles in nylon shorts, a tank top, and running shoes, with a total average weight of 3 lbs., usually ﬁnishing in under eight hours — but Zallee did it wearing his Army combat uniform (ACUs), boots, and standard expert infantryman badge. Keeping pace with 1,700 civilian walkers, Zallee was the only person in uniform. Why did you walk? I wanted to bring attention to the fact that the guard is always training. They get up before their jobs, families, and “real” life to run or go to the gym. Their training starts [years] before they get the call to go somewhere. I wanted people to see the Guard out there training, pushing themselves to be better. What did you wear? I walked in uniform. ACUs, boots, a booney cap, and 35-pound ruck. I did lose the top and sported just the T-shirt after the ﬁrst four miles; it was just too hot! What kind of response did you get along the route? It was awesome. Moms were walking up and giving me hugs telling me about their boys over in the box. I was almost in tears as the seventh and eighth mom or grandmother cried as they hugged me and [thanked me] for serving. What was the highest point of the marathon for you? For me, it was the faces and names that became friends by the end of the day. Flo gave me salt at mile 18. Walter, a Vietnam veteran, kept crying out, “You can do it, Ranger!” We were brothers and sisters for 26.2 miles. How did finishing affect you? I almost couldn’t believe I made it. I was sitting stretching my legs and [for] the next 10 minutes, people walked up and thanked me for helping them ﬁnish. They said that as long as they kept sight of “that soldier ahead” they could ﬁnish. — Perry P. Perkins Attention! Check out these military-related entertainment offerings. BOOK Killing Ground on Okinawa: The Battle for Sugar Loaf Hill (Naval Institute Press, 2007) James Hallas chronicles the courage and skills of the 6th Marine Division’s personnel as they captured a network of Japanese de30 MILITARY OFFICER fenses on Sugar Loaf while under heavy artillery fire from surrounding hills. AUDIOBOOK American Heroes in the Fight Against Radical Islam (Brilliance Audio, 2008) Oliver North offers an in- spiring, firsthand account of the extraordinary men and women defending America against radical Islamic terrorism. BOOK Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives (Penguin Books, 2008) Jim Sheeler weaves together stories of fallen servicemembers and the broken homes they left behind. It pays tribute America’s heroes and to the brave families who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. MO PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT AUGUST 2008

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Military Officer - August 2008 Contents MOAA Online From the Editor From the President Your Views MOAA Directory Rapid Fire Washington Scene Chapters in Action Financial Forum Ask the Doctor MOAA Member Services Cover Story: A Stronger Voice Virtual Combat Mental Floss Steady as She Goes Pages of History Faces of MOAA Member Books Information Exchange Advertising Index MOAA Calendar Sounding Taps MOAA Scholarship Donors Encore

Military Officer - August 2008

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