There were 16,000 runners in Sunday’s Pittsburgh Marathon from 12 countries and 47 states. It is always an exciting event, but one story about two runners gave this year’s event a story of inspiration and triumph beyond the finish line. There were two Green Beret officers, bonded as brothers-in-arms and tethered together by a shoestring. One of the officers was a blind runner. The back of his shirt had a message that read, “I will never quit.” The shirt of the officer tethered to him read, “I will never leave a fallen comrade.” Both saluted and stood at attention as the National Anthem was played prior to the sound of the starting gun. And then they were off, running four hours and twenty-six minutes in the marathon— together.

Captain Ivan Castro is the only blind officer in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He had been wounded by shrapnel in a battle against insurgents outside of Baghdad almost four years ago while serving with the 325th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. Captain Castro had been so badly wounded by the mortar shell that his very survival was in doubt. Both lungs had collapsed, his arm was broken, trigger finger blown off, and he had traumatic brain injury. He also lost sight in both eyes. His journey to recovery was long, painful and difficult. But recover, he did and once again he volunteered for the Airborne and Special Forces.

Captain Castro has run in several marathons with his brother-in-arms, Lt. Col. Fred Dummar of the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion from Fort Bragg, N.C. One held the loop of the string in the right hand; the other held the other end in his left. Lt. Col. Dummar used tugs and nudges on the string to help the blind Captain Castro traverse turns and curves. Together they completed the run.

This week the Pittsburgh Chapter of Our Community Salutes is honoring all those who have served or who have enlisted to serve in our military. The courage and tenacity of Captain Ivan Castro and the bonded brotherhood he shares with his boss Lt. Colonel Fred Dummar is exemplary of  those who serve in our military. Their bravery and their commitment must never be taken for granted. Bravery has a face, but sometimes it also has eyes that cannot see. Let us not be blind to the courage and inspiration of those who have served and who are serving in our military. To Captain Ivan Castro and to Lt. Col. Fred Dummar, we salute you with our hearts in gratitude.

—cher