John Atilano

Today is Veteran’s Day. I’m receiving lots of wishes of thanks for my service. Someone even said I was a “Hero.” I know I’m not a Hero but I understand and appreciate the sentiment. The man who called me a Hero is Sam Felsenfeld of Operation Jack. In 2010, he is running 61 marathons (1 per week) to raise awareness and money for Train 4 Autism. Sam is a father of three. His son Jack has severe Autism which which has motivated him to undertake this grueling journey. That is heroic, in my eyes. Another Hero is Jack himself. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to live with Autism or have a child with Autism. We all have our crosses to bear in life and Jack does it everyday with the love and support of his Mom and Dad and siblings.

I found Sam through Twitter. Being a Father and runner I wanted to somehow participate and help Sam out. Our discussion on Twitter resulted in this Operation Jack blog post. On November 12, 2010 the details for participating in a Satellite Run for Operation Jack will be posted. Basically, sign up and run 6.1 miles on 26 December. You’ll get a t-shirt and a medal and you will be helping a Dad help his son and other children with Autism. This is a great example of Selfless Service (one of the Army Values) and one of the requisites of being a Hero. So, join me in helping Sam and Jack. Sign up, raise money and run 6.1 miles on 26 December 2010. I’ll be doing it somewhere in Afghanistan, even if it is on a treadmill.

Happy Veteran’s to all who serve or have served in our Nation’s Armed Forces. A big thank you to the families who love a Solider, Sailor, Airman, or Marine; It’s a really tough job. Thank a Veteran by helping someone less fortunate than you.