Photo By Bradley Hicks | Noah Coughlan, founder of Run4Revival, approaches the Visitors’ Control Center at...... read more read more
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. – As he’s traversed the hills, plains and mountains of the American landscape passing through cities, suburbs and communities of all sizes along the way, Noah Coughlan has encountered folks of all backgrounds, occupations and political leanings.
But, whether he’s surrounded by forests or skyscrapers and regardless of whether he’s meeting someone in a business suit or wearing overalls, Coughlan has observed one consistency throughout the nation.
“You can’t go across America without noticing the impact of a U.S. veteran,” he said.
It was Coughlan’s desire to honor U.S. veterans that compelled him to undertake what he is calling the Run4Revival, a coast-to-coast solo run to pay tribute to American soldiers and their families.
On Oct. 3, 128 days into his 167-day journey, Coughlan stopped by Arnold Air Force Base to meet with base active duty and to squeeze in a few moments of rest before embarking on his next destination.
“Run4Revival is my way to bring America together by honoring the American military,” Coughlan said. “You’ll find that across America, through big cities and small towns, that the United States veteran and their families have enriched their communities. And, in my opinion, the United States veterans are the ones who are holding this country together, through all the good times and the tough times, and there’s a grateful nation to thank them.”
When the Nashville resident visited Arnold, he was around 2,700 miles into an estimated 3,500-mile trek. Coughlan began his run on May 29 to coincide with Memorial Day, departing from Blaine, Washington, located near the Canadian border. He intends to finish his run in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Florida, area on Nov. 11 to coincide with Veterans Day.
“I wanted to do something to bring America together as much as I can, and that was a big tribute to the American military,” he said.
Coughlan’s latest odyssey marks his fourth solo run across America. His previous runs, occurring in 2011, 2013 and 2015, were done to bring attention to those suffering from rare diseases. Although not a veteran himself, Coughlan said he wanted to pay tribute to those who have served as he had seen during his previous runs the impact veterans, both past and present, have on the country.
“By running for the American military and for veterans, you’re running for all of America, and here’s how you’re doing it – many times, after they serve, sometimes four years, eight years, 12 years, what have you, 20-, 30-year careers, they come home and they become firefighters, pilots, teachers, doctors, lawmakers, sheriffs, business owners, and I noticed that on my first three runs,” Coughlan said. “For this fourth run, the seeds were already planted a decade ago. It was just a matter of me coming back on the road.”
Coughlan stands out from other roadside runners motorists typically encounter. He can be seen pushing a jogging stroller filled with essentials, including plenty of snacks and drinks. These are absolute necessities, as Coughlan burns around 9,000 calories per day. Attached to the stroller is a large American flag flown in Saudi Arabia earlier this year by the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron out of Travis Air Force Base, California.
“I’ve seen a grateful nation now on foot,” Coughlan said. “I’ve probably seen more places than most Americans can or have. I’ve probably been to more districts, possibly, than many of the elected officials themselves. I’ve been in the hotel lobbies and on the side of the road. I’ve been talking to a lot of people, and I want all of the veterans to know, from my perspective as a pedestrian or civilian who’s done this four times now, that there’s a grateful nation. There is. Their service, their sacrifice, the commitment to the American people is appreciated. There is a very powerful, grateful nation.”
While at Arnold, Coughlan stopped by the base Visitors’ Control Center where he had a phone conversation with Col. Randel Gordon, commander of Arnold Engineering Development Complex, headquartered at Arnold AFB. Gordon, who was at the Arnold Lakeside Complex on Arnold AFB to attend the Veterans Appreciation Picnic occurring the same time as Coughlan’s visit, invited Coughlan to the ALC for the picnic so he could grab a bite to eat, meet with Arnold personnel and greet some of the veterans in attendance. Coughlan took Gordon up on the offer and received a ride to the ALC from Arnold AFB Security Forces.
Before departing for the ALC, Coughlan commented on the reaction to the Run4Revivial. He said no matter where he’s passing through, the reception to his tribute is very positive.
“Every veteran or active duty, I always tell them I wish they were the ones behind the jogging stroller because probably eight out of 10 cars, semi-trucks and motorcycles honk or wave, so that’s why I always say there’s a grateful nation,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 10.18.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 10.19.2023 11:12 |
| Story ID: | 456039 |
| Location: | ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENNESSEE, US |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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