Posted on 10/10/2012 3:39:11 PM PDT by LSUfan
The boy was 11-year-old Ben Baltz of Valparaiso, Florida. At six years old, Ben was diagnosed with bone cancer in his right leg and had his fibula and tibia removed. He walks with a mechanical knee and prosthetic walking leg, which he switches out for a running leg to play sports (including soccer, baseball and children's triathlons). On Sunday, Ben completed the 150-yard swim and 4-mile bike ride and half the one-mile run when a screw came loose and his running leg broke in half.
His mom was standing at the finish line, wondering what happened. 'It was only a mile, I knew he was tired, I was like, 'Where is he, where is he, where is he,' his mother, Kim Baltz, told CNN iReport. 'All of a sudden the announcer just said, 'Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to turn around and look at what's happening on the course' ... Everybody was crying. It was just very touching that the Marines were there. They picked him up and everybody was cheering and just giving them support and Ben support.'
The Marine who carried Ben is Matthew Morgan, Private First Class at Marine Detachment Corry Station, a training command in Pensacola that brought 22 students to help at the triathlon. Capt. Frank Anderson, the commanding officer, said everyone is very proud of PFC Morgan. 'It's great to see what Marines do – not leave anybody behind – is exemplified in our youngest members of our institution,' he told iReport. 'He's not a very big guy ... he picked that young boy up quick, threw him on his back and ran the rest of the course ... We're pumped.'
(Excerpt) Read more at ireport.cnn.com ...
Neat story.
The walking leg/running leg things reminds me of something:
My former roommate knew an amputee (courtesy of an IED) who said that he had three artificial legs: his walking/casual leg, his exercise leg, and his @$$-kicking leg :)
God Bless the United States Marine Corps!
Those men look very young, but I have no doubt that their convictions and honor are among the highest and the best America has to offer.
Ooo-rah
My screen is all blurry...
What? I can’t read your post...
This is so awesome! What a neat way for that young boy to finish the race—and what a great example of service over self to everyone.
Way to go, Marine!
Wonderful. Best story of the day.
God bless all Marines.
Yeah, me too.
My husband was playing golf on the base golf course last year and hit a tee shot into the trees. (Ha, ha) He went to find his ball and heard a drill sergeant shouting instructions to the recruits. He went to the edge of the trees and saw three marines running down a dirt path - each with another marine on his back - JUST LIKE THE PICTURE!!!
May God bless them all!
Leave No One Behind.
The difference between a Marine and a liberal. The liberal will shout that someone should do something to help the young lad. The Marine just does the helping.
The very best of the best! God Bless the Marines!
darn screen humidity.
i am not one who goes for the “humanitarian finish” but the truth is the truth. this is one case where it realy makes a positive difference to have that 11 year old cross the finish and to ***** with the rules.
a journolist would still be taking picturs of the boy in misery and issuing a report why the government should be helping.
Of course now the journ-o-list will say Obama is the reason the boy crossed the finish.
Identify the mission and finish it...I love the Marines.
Dear President Obama,
Behold: Men.
Sincerely,
The United States
The difference between a Marine and Obama, who leads from behind.
Just damn, now my screen's all blurry.....
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