This year, I have the honor of participating in One Flag Forward, a joint initiative between Wear Blue: Run to Remember and Team RWB. Together, we will move one American flag 250 miles from Ground Zero to our nation’s capital, carrying with it the stories, memories, and legacies of those who served and sacrificed. I’ll be participating in the second leg of the relay on September 13, running in honor of my brother, Capt. Dustin Lukasiewicz.

Being Dusty’s sister means carrying his memory with me every day. It also means understanding the importance of speaking his name, telling his story, and remembering not only who he was, but the impact he continues to have on those who love him.

My journey with Wear Blue began when I was selected for the 2025 Marine Corps Marathon Endurance Program cohort. Through this experience I found so much more than a running community. I found people who understood that movement can be a way of remembering, a place where grief and pride can exist side by side, and most importantly, a place where I belonged. Wear Blue has given me the courage to share Dustin’s story and connect with other Gold Star survivors who understand the importance of remembering, saying their names, and making sure they are never forgotten.

Through the One Flag Forward initiative we move the flag, but we also move the stories. Every mile is an opportunity to honor Dustin, keep his story alive, and say his name.

I invite you to join me in moving One Flag Forward. Whether you donate, share this story, run alongside us, or simply take a moment to learn and remember, you are helping carry these stories forward. Because they are more than names. They are our brothers and sisters. Our sons and daughters. Our friends. Our heroes.

We remember them. We speak their names. We carry them with us.

For Dustin. For every service member we remember. For every Gold Star family who carries their story.

250 miles. One flag. Countless stories.