FORT CARSON, Colo.---Family members of Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, in partnership with the Family Readiness Group, kicked off a fitness program called "Walk to Iraq and Back" with a one-mile walk at Ironhorse Park April 24.
The goal as a group is for Family members to walk a total of 14,160 miles, the distance from Fort Carson to Iraq and back.
"It's a healthy way for the spouses to get together and support the Soldiers, and we're glad to do it," said Melissa Glasspoole, 3rd BCT family readiness support assistant.
The hope, she said, is that Family members will be motivated to exercise and stay in shape as they remember those who serve overseas.
Family members are being encouraged to walk as far and often as they can so the group can reach its goal as quickly as possible.
Tanya North, wife of Maj. Brian North, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., brought her two sons, Jonathon and Alex, out for the event.
"Our dads and husbands are over in Iraq, and we just want them to know we're supporting them," she said. "It's also a great way to get out and get some exercise."
For some, it is a chance to show they care that provides a good excuse to do something physical. For others, like Alex, it lets him show his dad he is always on his mind during the deployment.
"Because he's not here right now, and we can't always talk to him a lot, we're doing this so he knows we're thinking of him," he said.
Jonathon also said he had a good reason for coming out.
"We are really wanting to walk because we're out here ... doing this for our dad," he said.
Glasspoole said participating Family members keep track of their progress on sheets provided by the FRG and then e-mail their results back to her by the first of every month. She then posts the overall results along with the top performers each month on Facebook and the FRG Web site.
Glasspoole said the FRG is planning to hold several more group events like this one throughout the 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., deployment.
To keep track of the miles, go to http://www.armyfrg.org or http://www.facebook.com and search 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
For information about future events, contact Glasspoole at 526-8149 or 330-1914 or e-mail her at melissa.glasspoole@us.army.mil.
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