STEPS TO HONOR

A couple of days ago I received a registration from a Marine Mom who wanted to participate in STEPS to HONOR. Colleen Johnson will be honoring her son, Sgt. Trevor J. Johnson who was killed in Afghanistan on January 27, 2009. In “meeting” Colleen via email, I had the opportunity to learn a little bit about Trevor. Now knowing about Trevor and his sacrifice for all of us, I decided to learn more about him. I did a google search before I ran in his honor today.

Trevor was raised on a ranch in Montana. He knew he wanted to serve in the military by the time he was 8 years old. He enlisted in the USMC at the age of 17 in the Delayed Entry Program. (Eligibility to enlist begins at age 17 if a parent signs and gives permission. Individuals can enlist on their own at the age of 18.) One news article described Trevor as a prankster and a bit of a renegade. I am already fond of Trevor as I read more about him. One could be describing my own son! Trevor was also described as athletic, handsome, and bright. Trevor served his commitment of 4 years and made the decision to reenlist. He knew he was not finished serving his country. Trevor was serving on his third deployment with the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, when he was killed by a roadside bomb. From what I have read, Trevor was a son, husband, father, friend, and dedicated Marine. I wish I had known him because I’d like to thank him for his service and sacrifice face to face.

I feel privileged to have met Trevor’s mom, Colleen through email. She and Trevor’s dad, Tom are amazing people. It has only been a few months since Trevor’s death, but they are opening their ranch to Marines that are suffering from PTSD and TBI. They also have extended an open invitation to the Marines that served with Trevor. Colleen has even extended an invitation to my son, a Marine Sergeant. That blows my mind! The Johnsons have every reason to be in mourning right now....and I am sure that they are mourning Trevor’s death, but they are remembering their son in a positive way and they are going to make a difference in the lives of our Marines that do make it back home safely. Trevor is not the only member of the Johnson family serving! He obviously learned something about service from his parents. Today’s three miles were all run in honor of Sgt. Trevor J. Johnson and his amazing family!