Running for the Wounded

Nearly 500 Oklahomans have been injured during the war on terror, which is one reason a West Point Cadet from Oklahoma plans to run for 24-hours straight.

Friday, March 20th 2009, 11:23 pm

By: News 9


By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

YUKON, Oklahoma -- When many of our nation's soldiers return home they come back injured.

Nearly 500 Oklahomans have been injured during the war on terror, which is one reason a West Point Cadet from Oklahoma plans to run for 24-hours straight.

In October 2007, Tom Martin was killed while serving in Iraq.

"As a leader, as a subordinate, as a human being, Tom really embodies what I want to be as an officer," said David Swanson, who decided to run for the Wounded Warrior Project. "I discovered his journals as a senior in high school and it really motivated me to continue to seek West Point."

Swanson, now 21-years-old, is motivating crowds to support the wounded warrior project by raising money to help hurt soldiers.

Swanson will run for 24 hours for his cause, remembering those who have served and those who are serving.

"They can't quit the mission just because they're tired or their feet hurt," Swanson said. "I can't quit my mission either."

Stanley Warren, who served our country in the Vietnam War, plans to run beside Swanson. He worries for the new wave of the wounded.

"We've got a lot of veterans over there who've lost limbs and they've been injured," Warren said.

David Swanson's mother, Carol Swanson will be cheering all the runners on from the sidelines. One day, he could be serving in combat which makes this cause all the more personal for Carol Swanson.

"His words are, ‘I'm always with you, Mom,' and so when he goes overseas, he'll be with me all the time," Carol Swanson said.

David Swanson and the runners he's inspired have raised more than $17,000. He will run through Friday night until 5 p.m. Sunday at the Yukon High School track. Anyone is welcome to join him.


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