rapidfire
Reserve Spotlight
L
t. Van Allen Zallee, ARNG, walked the 2007 What kind of response did you get
Portland (Ore.) Marathon in under seven hours. along the route? It was awesome.
Typical marathon walkers complete the 26.2 Moms were walking up and giv-
miles in nylon shorts, a tank top, and running shoes, ing me hugs telling me about their
with a total average weight of 3 lbs., usually fi nish- boys over in the box. I was almost in
ing in under eight hours — but Zallee did it wearing tears as the seventh and eighth mom
his Army combat uniform (ACUs), boots, and or grandmother cried as they hugged
standard expert infantryman badge. Keeping me and [thanked me] for serving.
pace with 1,700 civilian walkers, Zallee What was the highest point of
was the only person in uniform. the marathon for you? For
Why did you walk? me, it was the faces and names
I wanted to bring at- that became friends by the
tention to the fact end of the day. Flo gave
that the guard is al- me salt at mile 18. Walter,
ways training. They a Vietnam veteran, kept
get up before their crying out, “You can do it,
jobs, families, and Ranger!” We were brothers
“real” life to run or and sisters for 26.2 miles.
go to the gym. Their How did finishing affect
training starts [years] you? I almost couldn’t
before they get the call believe I made it. I was sit-
to go somewhere. I want- ting stretching my legs and
ed people to see the Guard [for] the next 10 minutes,
out there training, pushing people walked up and
themselves to be better. thanked me for helping
What did you wear? I walked in them fi nish. They said
uniform. ACUs, boots, a booney cap, that as long as they kept
and 35-pound ruck. I did lose the top sight of “that soldier
and sported just the T-shirt after the ahead” they could fi nish.
fi rst four miles; it was just too hot! — Perry P. Perkins
Attention! Check out these military-related entertainment offerings.
BOOK Killing Ground on fenses on Sugar Loaf while spiring, firsthand account 2008) Jim Sheeler weaves
Okinawa: The Battle for under heavy artillery fire of the extraordinary men together stories of fallen
Sugar Loaf Hill (Naval from surrounding hills. and women defending servicemembers and the
Institute Press, 2007) America against radical broken homes they left be-
James Hallas chronicles AUDIOBOOK American Islamic terrorism. hind. It pays tribute Amer-
the courage and skills of Heroes in the Fight ica’s heroes and to the
the 6th Marine Division’s Against Radical Islam BOOK Final Salute: A brave families who have
personnel as they captured (Brilliance Audio, 2008) Story of Unfinished made the ultimate sacrifice
a network of Japanese de- Oliver North offers an in- Lives (Penguin Books, for this country. MO
30 MILITARY OFFICER AUGUST 2008 PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT
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Fire.indd 30 77/9/08 10:21:18 PM/9/08 10:21:18 PM
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