Chris takes on Army Ten-Miler to honor mentor, friend

On Sunday, my wife Annie and I took on the challenge of running the 30th Annual Army 10-Miler in Washington, D.C. During our run, we took time to reflect on the serious challenges our soldiers face daily and the sacrifices our men and women in uniform and their families have made and continue to make in defending our country.

I personally ran this course in memory of my dear friend, mentor and colleague Jim Brown. I had known Jim for more than 30 years of my life, having trained under Jim as a young lawyer at W.L. Gore & Associates, then working side by side with him. He was a kind and humble man, who cared about his family and fellow Associates. He served his country in the US Army in the Judge Advocate General Corps for 26 years, retiring as a colonel. Jim passed away earlier this year, and I miss him deeply.

As we passed monuments and mile markers, I considered the bravery and dedication our American soldiers demonstrate as they protect our freedoms here at home and abroad.

I especially recalled my family’s service to our country in the Army: my father, Sgt. Ken Coons, Signal Corps, attached to 1st Signal Company, my brother 1st Lt. Tom Coons, 2nd Armored Division and my sister-in-law Lt. Col. Jean Rapley Coons, USAR Legal Command.

In the early part of the race, as thousands of runners strode by Arlington National Cemetery, the memory of two particular Delaware Army members entered in my mind.

One was Warrant Officer Sean W. Mullen, who grew up in Dover and graduated from Caesar Rodney High School. Sean joined the Maryland National Guard and went on to serve on active duty as an infantryman and in the Special Forces, deploying six times.

Sean made the ultimate sacrifice for our country on June 2, 2013 while conducting combat operations in the Nimroz Province of Afghanistan. Sean is laid to rest in Section 60, Grave 10372 in Arlington National Cemetery.

As I continued to run, I also recalled the memory of my neighbor from my high school years in Pike Creek, U.S. Army Sgt. First Class James S. “Shawn” Moudy. Shawn attended Independence School and the Tatnall School. Shawn was killed in an IED attack while on a mounted combat patrol in the western part of Baghdad, Iraq, December 11, 2005. Shawn served with the 10th Mountain Division’s 1 Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment.

I also took time to remember a friend of mine who recently passed away – Pfc. Harry Shevchuck. Harry served in the Army’s 29th Division in WWII and was a Prisoner of War. I admired Harry and enjoyed all of my conversations with him, most recently at the annual Delaware Memorial Day event.

I was sure to represent Delaware and the more than 2,600 members of the Delaware Air and Army National Guard via t-shirt that was given to me a couple of years ago. These individuals are the essence of bravery, sacrifice and love of country. I am grateful for the chance to join so many others today in running to honor and remember our Army veterans.