Wing member runs distance for those in need

  • Published
  • By Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  A flight engineer with the 709th Airlift Squadron is running the distance for servicemembers in need by participating in the 32nd Marine Corp Marathon Oct. 28 in Washington D.C. 

Master Sgt. Mitchell Coffey is taking on the 26.2 mile challenge for The Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit organization and Combined Federal Campaign charity. 

The 48-year-old mailman from Norfolk, Va., said he's looking for wing members to sponsor him in his effort to raise funds for military members and their families who are experiencing a medical crisis. 

Because military members are stationed all over the world, they typically have to travel to another location to receive specialized medical care. To assists these individuals, The Fisher House has built 38 "comfort homes" near military and Veteran Administration medical centers, according to The Fisher House website. These temporary homes allow family members to be close to their loved ones who are hospitalized for an illness, disease or injury received from combat. 

"It's motivational to know I'm supporting an organization that benefits all branches of service, and I'm helping wounded servicemembers and their families," said Sergeant Coffey. 

This will be the second time the flight engineer will run in the race, which is the fourth largest marathon in the U.S. and seventh largest in the world, according to the Marine Corp Marathon website. 

"I enjoy the challenge of the training, especially in the heat of summer," said the letter carrier who walks 8.5 miles everyday on his mail route and runs an additional 20 to 30 miles a week as part of his marathon training. 

The sergeant has always led a very active life, he said. He ran in high school but took a hiatus for 15 years, thinking his mail route was enough exercise for him. However, five years ago he said his flight surgeon suggested he do something more strenuous to add to his cardio-vascular workout. 

"I was getting older, and I wanted to stay in shape and this was a great way to do it," he said. 

Whether it's for his health or for individuals in need, this Liberty Wing member is a runner with a cause. 

Individuals who'd like to support Sergeant Coffey and donate to The Fisher House Foundation can do so by either contacting Sergeant Coffey at (757) 339-9799 or visiting The Fisher House Foundation website at
https://www.sporg.com/registration?link_type=reg_info&form_id=70303&view_type=windowed.