Deployed pilot runs for charity

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Imagine running from Munich, Germany, to Paris, France. An Airman’s feet may callous just thinking about it. Now, factor in an Afghanistan deployment amidst the dust, heat and a 30 pound pack. How many people would take a pass on such a lofty challenge?

Capt. Tyler Streit, a 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron pilot deployed from the 76th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein, didn’t take the easy road, but embraced the challenge.

“There’s a million reasons not to do something, but the one that matters is the one you have to keep hold of,” Streit said.

He said running 500 miles was a worthwhile goal, but not for the reason some might think. He may be in fit-to-fight shape, but he didn’t run 500 miles in 180 days to live out a lifelong track star fantasy.

Streit ran to raise money for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. The disease hits close to home because his family friend and high school soccer coach was struck with it a decade ago. Dr. Scott Mackler, an athletic 40-year-old at the time, was diagnosed with the disease and given a grim prognosis, Streit said.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons that affect the brain’s ability to control muscle movement eventually die, leading to paralysis in the disease’s later stages.

Instead of allowing the disease to disrupt Mackler’s normal routine, it inspired him to persevere in his career, Streit said.

Mackler is still a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, his alma mater, despite being paralyzed and having the ability to move only his eyelids. Through a brain computer interface device, Mackler is able to communicate and continue his research on cocaine addiction and the human brain.

“Scott was and still is my hero,” Streit said. “He taught me the meaning of hard work, persistence and dedication.”

Mackler isn’t the only hard worker in the family, though.

Mackler’s family, with the help of his church, sponsor a run every year to raise money for ALS, Streit said.

Streit’s military commitment meant he had been unable to participate in Mackler’s run, so he decided to run on his own. Streit said he’s happy helping raise money even while deployed.

“My goal was to raise $1,500, but I’ve received $1,800 in donations so far,” he said.

Streit recently completed his goal in 114 days instead of the allotted 180. That’s the kind of initiative Mackler might have encouraged.

“He taught me to strive for my best,” Streit said.

When Mackler found out Streit was raising money he sent him an e-mail. For Mackler, it’s no easy task because it might take him an hour to send one sentence, Streit said.

The e-mail read, “Good luck and thanks for doing this.”