Chicago Marathon: Got freedom?

Men and women run marathons for all types of reasons. During Sunday's Chicago Marathon, I encountered several runners with "Got Freedom?" shirts. They were running for Team Salute, an organization which I had not heard of until that day.

Here is how Team Salute describes itself:

Salute was founded in 2003 by Will and Mary Beth Beiersdorf of Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Shortly after 9/11, Will, a Naval Reservist, was called to active duty and deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for thirteen months. The severe financial impact his deployment had on his family came as a startling revelation.

While Will was serving in Cuba, Mary Beth was overwhelmed with the magnitude of what she and their three sons were facing. In addition to the lack of finances, Mary Beth and her children coped with the fear of the unknown and the emotional strain caused by their separation from Will.

With the help, support and outpouring of love from family, friends, their church and their community, they were able to survive. Upon Will's return, both he and Mary Beth felt the need to "give back" by helping others who were experiencing similar hardships.

In 2003, they decided to start an organization whose fundraising efforts would be based around a yearly Memorial Day Family Run/Walk. After sharing their vision with family, friends and pooling their resources, Salute was born!

Salute, Inc. is now a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial support for our military men and women through a variety of fundraising activities.

Click here to donate to Team Salute and let them know you salute them. And our troops.