Run for Revival: Man's run across the country recognizes veterans
NORFOLK, Neb. — From Washington to Florida, Noah Coughlan is on his fourth run across the country to honor the United States military.
A Vacaville, California native, Coughlan was interested in joining the U.S. Marine Corps when he was a teenager.
After his father was in an accident, Coughlan helped his dad walk again over a two- to three-year period after his leg was amputated.
Through that, he continued to have an appreciation for the military, and as a civilian, wanted to draw support for them.
Now, he began his fourth run across the country on Memorial Day in Blaine, Washington.
“Just wanted to do something special from Memorial Day to Veterans Day and just take this flag one more time across America and thank every single one [veterans] as much as I can across America," Coughlan said.
The flag Coughlan carries is attached to a cart he pushes on his run and was given to him by the US. Air Force to take across the country.
The flag was flown in Saudi Arabia during Operation Inherent Resolve in April of this year.
“It’s an honor to carry the flag and for everything the flag symbolizes," Coughlan said. "You know freedom, liberty, opportunity, hope, and that unyielding spirit as Americans to keep going.”
During his run in Bassett, Coughlan said he received news about his father’s deteriorating health, and got help from local police agencies and veterans to get back to California.
“It happened so suddenly," Coughlan said. "I was in the middle of Nebraska and had to find a way to get home suddenly. The Rock County Sheriff and the state police and even some veterans stepped in suddenly and they hatched a plan within 30 minutes to help me get to the airport. I really appreciate that because it gave me a chance to see my father for the last time.”
After reaching the half-way point of his 3,500-mile run, Coughlan wanted to thank people who encouraged him along his trips, and specifically, the people of Nebraska.
“For me, it’s very encouraging, the citizens," Coughlan said. "It just goes to show the kindness of the American people and the kindness of the Nebraskans, so God bless Nebraska.”
Coughlan travels around 20 miles every day and will stay in Norfolk on Friday evening before continuing his travels to Omaha.
Coughlan meets with veterans in towns and cities during his run, and said he just wants to lift the spirits of veterans across the country.
“If I can bring some joy or some encouragement to a veteran and make them feel appreciated, that’s why I’m here," Coughlan said. "They were willing to fight for my freedom so I’m using my freedom to go ocean to ocean with the American flag and doing something positive.”
To follow Coughlan’s journey, visit the Run for Revival Facebook page or the website.