Local Marine running to honor comrades

By: RICK HOFF - Staff Writer | Saturday, June 3, 2006 11:07 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Among the 20,000 participants starting the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Sunday, one runner will be noticeable by the American flag he is carrying. It's a flag that has been to hell and back, and so has the man carrying it.

Andy Christian, a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, plans to shoulder the weight of the flag throughout the 26.2-mile course along the streets of San Diego.

And it's understandable if he also carries a heavy heart.

After returning home from a recent tour of duty in Iraq, Christian will take a break from the battleground to run the marathon along with his wife, Sarah. Residents of Carlsbad, the Christians are running in honor of fellow Marines who were killed or seriously injured in a roadside bombing incident involving Andy and his comrades in February.

"I can't think of a place I would rather be than running the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in honor of my fallen teammates," said Andy, 37.

A 17-year veteran of the Corps, Andy was leading MITT-0841, a military transition team that trains Iraqi military and police forces. Based in Karbala, just south of Baghdad, the small team of 11-12 Marines and soldiers was doing its part in assisting Iraqis during this time of transition when, on Feb. 20, disaster struck.

"We were on our way to train an Iraqi army battalion when we were hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device)," he recalled. "Every day we travel some dangerous roads, but unfortunately there are only so many routes you can take."

Andy's team was targeted by insurgents using an explosive-formed projectile, the type of which "are made in Iran and are specifically targeting coalition troops, as opposed to civilians," he said.

"They are often very deadly."

The attack completely destroyed one of the armored Humvee vehicles and resulted in the death of Staff Sgt. Jay T. Collado. In addition, Staff Sgt. Chris Claude lost his right leg, and 1st Lt. Justin Waldeck suffered a severe hand injury.

Collado left behind a young daughter, Kaiya, and the Christians have since raised more than $20,000 in donations and grants to help provide care and education for Kaiya.

"Sarah and I have received tremendous support from the community and my fellow Marines," said Andy. "Jay would be happy that we are now taking care of his only daughter."

Part of that support comes from the SemperFiFund.org program, which was founded in 2002 by Marines and sailors to help fill the void of expenses for hospital care provided for Marines who have suffered catastrophic injuries.

Andy hopes to continue the awareness with his journey today in the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.

"When the gun goes off, I'll be thinking of my teammates who have fallen or were injured," said Andy, who won't be affected too much if the temperature gets a little warm this morning, as expected. "I've been training in 110-degree heat in the desert, running on rocks and sand, so this will feel much faster."

Andy has just two weeks of leave before he returns to Iraq on June 12 after visiting with his wife and son Tyler, a student at Aviara Oaks Middle School. For Sarah, the short return has provided mixed emotions.

"It's kind of bittersweet, because I know he will be leaving after just two weeks," said Sarah, 36. "But to do something together like running the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in honor of our troops makes it more meaningful and memorable."

Adding to the emotions is that fact Waldeck is scheduled to greet Andy at the finish line.

"I have not seen Lt. Waldeck since the IED incident, so I'm sure that will be an emotional moment," said Andy.

And that flag he will be carrying today has added special meaning.

"We've been carrying that American flag on all of our missions," said Andy. "It was in the back of the Humvee when Sgt. Collado was killed. It will have a yellow streamer with his name on it."

The flag belongs to Andy's teammate, Cpt. Rod McHaty.

"It was his idea for me to run with it," Andy said. "It's been all over Iraq, and it's seen a lot of miles."

Add 26.2 special miles to that ever-growing total.

Contact staff writer Rick Hoff at (760) 740-3545 or rhoff@nctimes.com.