Iraq War Veteran From Staten Island Running In NYC Marathon
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - Running long distances became an anchor for Michelle King Gonzales during her three tours in Iraq.
WCBS 880's Marla Diamond On The Story
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"Running became, like, my outlet, my time to be with myself," she said.
It was 120 degrees F there!
"It still was a break for me. So, I looked forward to running, regardless of the weather conditions," she told WCBS 880 reporter Marla Diamond.
The Staten Island native, new mom, and West Point graduate worked with military intelligence. She was not in harm's way, but so many she knew were.
"I'm running the [New York City] Marathon in support of a charity called Team Red, White & Blue," she said.
The charity helps soldiers cope with the mental strain of returning home. Half of all returning veterans suffer some kind of mental illness and often don't get the help they need.
"I'm thankful to be able to be back and to be able to run," she said, adding that it's the least she can do.
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