February kicked off incredibly well for Back on My Feet Baltimore, with a flag football showdown at Dunbar Field early on Superbowl Sunday morning. In a feisty competition pitting Baltimore Station and MCVET against the rest, many runners showed off fancy footwork and clever plays. It may have been a more exiting match up than the real event later in the evening! The following weekend found BoMFers off the field and back on the course, with a wet and wintry Valentine’s Day 5k at Kinder Farm Park. This sold-out race was, for many, a stepping stone toward the Nikia Half Marathon. Training (and enthusiastic betting, FundRacing, and costume-planning) is well under way for the big spring race, and all teams are focused on having a great showing! As for what else each team has been up to…

ARW is thrilled to announce that Joseph Wheeler reached 500 miles this month. This wonderful accomplishment was celebrated by ARW (with the help of other teams passing through) at Inner Harbor on February 17^th. Joseph has been running with Back on My Feet since American Rescue Workers became a team in March 2010 and says he will continue to run as long as he can. He insists that “If I can do it, anyone can do it!” Congrats to Joe!

Baltimore Station also saw a member reach the 500-mile-mark; congratulations to Len on this success! Teammate Eddie reached 50 miles this month as well, and BSTAT hopes he will continue to say his catchphrase, “I made it,” after many more runs and miles. Two of our loyal Res have moved from BSTAT, but Gary and Daniel promise to return and keep training when they can.  BSTAT also welcomes new Non-Res members Jessica and John, and welcomes back an old friend in Katie.  We look forward to a team dinner coming up soon, and of course, to the spirited competition sure to be found as many of our teammates run in the Nikia Half.

For Team Christopher’s Place, February has been an awesome month. We had five guys run their first race! Even the guys that couldn’t run came out to support their fellow teammates by participating in the now famous CP band.  We also had eight members reach their capstone in February, which means they have graduated and are job ready.  Congrats to Tim, Dean Michael, Brian, Sheldon, Robert, Charles, Paul, and Brendan on this awesome accomplishment.  Dean Michael was voted this month to be team co-captain to assist Jerome in motivational duties.  George has also found employment at Mercy and will hopefully be starting soon.  We’ll miss him in the morning, but he’s still committed to evening runs and weekends to keep training for the Maryland Half.  Sarah M has taken over for Amy U as our Non-Res coordinator full time.  We fully appreciate everything that Amy has done and welcome Sarah to the core group at CP.  We also had a dessert happy hour(s) hosted by Amy and Scott.  Delicious cakes, pies, cookies, etc. were had by all.  I don’t think anyone left without being in a sugar coma .  Training for the Nikia Half is still going strong.  We thank Team HUM for their hospitality on longer distances Saturday runs.  It’s been great for all of us to have some new and familiar faces when getting out there for long distances.  We’re looking forward to acquiring a few more guys to round out a full 15-person team in the near future.  Go Team CP!

As for Team Helping Up Mission, in February we added 3 new teammates – Dwayne L., Joe M. and Ryan T.!  The team continues to remain strong with generally 20 – 40+ teammates attending each run.  Several of our teammates have increased their distances while training for the Nikia Half Marathon and others are taking part in training for the MD Half Marathon which just began.  Both races promise to be filled with lots of excitement and celebrations…and watch out for the amazing spirit that HUM teammates will bring!  Several teammates ran the Valentine’s 5k on February 11th with the following times:  Bryant J. 28:58, Dave H. 25:57, Mike B. 20:33, Frank P. 21:16, Barry B. 25:42, Tim B. 24:49 and Paul P. 23:42.  We also had a crew of boisterous supporters!  On February 12th, we went ice skating at Patterson Park Ice Rink and found out why most of us are runners and not professional ice skaters!  That is of course with the exception of the lovely Amie Bettencourt who dazzled us with her jumps and spins!  We had a great time and another fun social event is in the books.  We are looking forward to a fun March, including the Nikia Half Marathon!

All of Back on My Feet is excited for springtime weather, the sun coming up during morning runs, and of course, much racing and reveling ahead.

Back on My Feet at the BRF

October for American Rescue Workers (ARW) was an amazing and exciting time. As the temperatures started to dip, our spirits stayed high! Patrick instilled Fun Fridays to keep that momentum going. No matter if it was Crazy Hat Fun Friday or Favorite Sports Team Fun Friday, Team ARW got up ready for fun on the run!

The Baltimore Running Festival had a lot of firsts for the team – with many members running their first marathon or half marathon. Floyd sped through the finish line at 2:15 – very impressive for his first half marathon! Quentin teamed up with three guys from Christopher’s Place to run a relay – beating the rest of his team’s splits! Finally, Harold PR’d from Nikia’s Nippy Nor’easter 5k with a time of 36:06. Alumni Darius ran a really strong half too! Thanks to Harold, Kevin, and the rest of Team ARW for helping at the Mile 22 water stop – we never could have run those last couple miles without your tasty beverages!

In other very exciting Team ARW news, Kevin A. was inducted as a Back on My Feet Baltimore Alumni. Current Alumni Darius was on hand to present Kevin with his monumental award along with a few touching words. We are so proud of Kevin as he moves his life forward with a great big smile on his face! Stay cool Kevin!

October was a big month for team Baltimore Station. At long last, October 15^th brought the Baltimore Running Festival – the pinnacle of many impressive training efforts. We had two residential members participate in the half marathon, Len L. with a time of 1:53:16, and Gary A. with a time of 2:41:33. It was Gary’s first half marathon, and Len pointed out that he had run another half more than 20 years ago only a couple minutes faster. As he put it, age has not slowed him down very much! We also fielded a marathon relay team, with three of the four spots taken up by Baltimore Station members. Kenny M., Sam M., and George H. each ran a leg of approximately 6.5 miles. Another runner from Philadelphia joined them to fill out the team. Eight of our non-residential members joined the party as well, many running the half marathon.

Team Christopher’s Place also had a great showing at the Baltimore Running Festival with more than 15 non-residential members running, and almost all of our residential members participating as well! Kani, George, and James all ran the 5k, while Jerome, Solomon, Abdullah, and Steven raced in the relay! Brian cut 30 minutes off his marathon time and Dominique completed his first marathon and crossed the finish line with the support of team Christopher’s Place and other Back on My Feet Baltimore runners. If you haven’t seen this video yet, chronicling his journey, you have to check it out! Even Tony and Ricky, alumni, came out to cheer us all on, and several Christopher’s Place teammates manned the BoMF water stop. It was a day many of us will never forget.

In other news, many of our members are also are looking forward to the Tuerk House 5k on November 5^th to cut time off of their previous races.

Finally, Team Christopher’s Place is happy to report that Erick got a job working for the MTA and Michael got a new job in the kitchen at the NSA. We’re also very excited to celebrate the alumni induction of Johnathan and Brian this month.

October was also a great month for Team Helping Up Mission Baltimore (THUMB)!  Many of our teammates ran in the Baltimore Running Festival, with several running a distance for the first time. It was quite a celebration with all five Baltimore teams as well as Philly and D.C. in attendance.  Here is a recap of the time for the members who ran:  5k – Eric L. 34:50, Stefan B. 28:49, and Bryant J. 30:07.  Relay (approx. 7 miles) – Eric B.  1:07:00. Half Marathon – Nicko R. 2:05:13, Tim B. 1:58:25, Steven W. 3:11:53, and Dave H. 2:11:10. Marathon – Barry B. 4:44:54 and Mike B. 3:46:52. We are so proud of all our runners!

Not only did Eric L. run the 5k at the Baltimore Running Festival this month, on October 7^th he graduated from Helping Up Mission. Congrats, Eric! Steven W. celebrated 250 miles with the team and ran his first half marathon while Mike B. passed 500 miles and completed his first marathon!

Team MCVET also had an exciting October. Alumni member Carlos entered the Baltimore County Fire Department. Residential members Tim, Ja-Aura, and Jay all ran their first half marathons at the Baltimore Running Festival, while Kevin and Henry ran the 5k. Alums Greg and Arnold ran the half marathon at BRF and also ran the Marine Corps Marathon on Oct 30 (the third marathon for both of them). Greg was inducted into alumni status on October 27^th. Finally, non residential member Ricky O. left for a year-long deployment with his Airborne Unit in Kuwait. Our thoughts are with him and we are looking forward to running with him when he returns!

American Rescue Worker’s Members of the Month:  Quentin and Jocelyn

Quentin and Jocelyn

Quentin L. joined Back on My Feet as a residential member in March 2011 and has more than 90 miles under his belt. He says his biggest challenge while running is finishing, but he had no problem finishing his leg of the Baltimore Running Festival Relay, which he accomplished in a quick 49 minutes. His advice for new runners is to “be determined!” Quentin likes to refuel after a race with bananas, and his next race with Back on My Feet will be the Tuerk House 5k on November 5^th. Good luck Quentin!

Jocelyn S. joined Back on My Feet as a non-residential member in August and says her favorite moment so far was her first run “because everyone was so welcoming.” She jokes that her biggest challenge while running is “keeping my tonails” as well as making it up hills at the end of a long run. While running, she thinks about the finish line and how happy she will be to cross it again. Jocelyn’s goal for the next three months is to finish the Annapolis Half Marathon on November 19^th in 1:55. Her next race with BOMF will be the Zoo Zoom the next day on November 20^th.

Team Helping Up Mission’s Members of the Month: Eric and Phil

Eric L.

Eric L. joined the team as a residential member in April 2011 and has since logged more than 127 miles. He says his best memory is “the Baltimore Running Festival! It was great having the big group out there and the positive energy from all the Back on My Feet participants was amazing!” Eric says his biggest challenge while running is getting out of his head (you’re not alone there, Eric! Such a common runner challenge!), and his goal for the next three months is to stay focused and keep the enthusiasm. While running, Eric often thinks about how he can use his experience to help others.

“I first met Eric in the group circle as he attached the adjective ‘Effervescent’ to his first name,” says Lauren Shimek, THUMB teammate. “I quickly discovered an enthusiastic running buddy who is passionate about life, learning, and self-betterment. We’ve logged many early morning miles together, and I’ve watched Eric progress over time from a Seed of Hope to a Graduate of the Helping Up Mission. He has worked through a challenging year of recovery with steadfast dedication and the courage to share his personal experiences with others. I am so proud of Eric and look forward to seeing him as a role model for others.”

Eric’s next race will be the Tuerk House 5k on November 5^th.  His advice for a brand new runner? “Never give up and you’ll get stronger every day.”

Phil Strikes a Pose

Phil B. joined Team Helping Up Mission as a non-residential member in January 2011, and his best moments include “training with Nicko and watching Mike Bennett’s flowing locks blow in the wind.” While running, Phil often thinks about what’s for breakfast, as well as whom he will connect with that day. His next race with Back on My Feet will likely be the Celtic Solstice in December.

“Phil has been a great addition to our team,” says Rob Carfango, team leader. “He has a fun and relaxed attitude and gets along with everyone. He likes to joke around with his teammates and he has gone out of his way to run with many different people since joining the team. He comes out early to help support our teammates for longer runs and varies his pace to meet the needs of others. He is a true team player and I appreciate all that he does for our team!”

Team Christopher’s Place Member of the Month: Amy

Amy N.

Amy N. has been a non residential member since the very beginning of Team Christopher’s Place! She says that seeing her teammates along the course and on the sidelines cheering during her recent half marathon run at the Baltimore Running Festival is her best moment so far: “I never could have done it without my team!”

While running, she thinks about the hills she has to climb, but when asked what she would tell someone who is considering joining Back on My Feet, she says, “Just do it! 5:30 a.m. never looked so good. I promise you, you won’t regret it. Meredith Tyler from THUMB gave me that same advice two years ago when I was afraid of how early we ran. She was right!”

Amy’s next race with Back on My Feet will be the Tuerk House 5k. Her advice for a brand new runner is to “pace yourself and don’t start too quickly. Try to find someone who runs at your pace.”

Fun fact about Amy: She studied and worked in Thailand for four years and can speak Thai. But her favorite post-race meal is a good old American breakfast of eggs and toast.

MCVET’s Members of the Month: Kevin and Dave

Kevin R.

Kevin R.’s best moment to date with Back on my Feet was finished the Baltimore Running Festival 5k. “The amount of people lining the streets and cheering was unbelievable,” he says.

Kevin notes that his biggest challenge in running is hills. “There are a lot of hills in Baltimore.” (You got that right, Kevin!) While running, he thinks about distance: “How far I’m going, how far along I am, and how many miles I’ve run.”

Says Peter, MCVET’s team leader: “Kevin was one of the original members of Team MCVET when the Baltimore chapter launched in March of ’09 and it’s been great getting to know and run with him ever since. Although rarely one for many words, Kevin quietly demonstrates his commitment to his own self-improvement each and every day by the way he goes about taking on his responsibilities, whether it’s coming out every morning, working a long day of carwash at MCVET, or pursuing his welding training. Despite the unassuming fashion with which he goes about his business, Kevin’s progress has not gone unnoticed by his teammates who have taken note of his ever improving outlook and hard work.”

Dave W.

Dave W. joined the MCVET team as a non-residential member on February 14, 2011. His best moment so far was running the MCVET 5k: “I came in thinking about myself and what times I would run.  However when talking to another non-res (Jenn) about running times, she reminded me that it wasn’t about times, it was about being part of the team.  Just then Wayne came up to me and asked to run together with him. We had such a fantastic time talking, laughing, and complaining the whole way that I couldn’t tell you what our times were. At that moment I knew I was part of a true Team and that has stuck with me to this day.”

When asked what his biggest challenge has been, Dave says, “Day 3 when I couldn’t finish 2 miles?  No, actually running the Baltimore Running Festival half marathon.  It was actually two challenges. The first was the actual run and the second was running as a FundRunner for Back on My Feet. I had never asked anyone for money before, but as a FundRunner, I asked friends, family, and colleagues to sponsor me. I had no idea how that would play out.  The other issue is that I have problems with stiffness in my legs (one of the reasons I started running again oddly enough) and I didn’t know how I would do running 13 miles. Well I exceeded my fundraising goals and completed the half (though I would like to forget about miles 10 and 11).” Dave’s next race will be the Tuerk 5k.

Says Peter, MCVET’s team leader: “When Dave first started running with MCVET, he told me that the last time he had gone for a run was six years prior in a half marathon in Alaska and that he was wearing the same shoes that he had during that race. I think he started off with a mile that day and his return to running was gradual, but each day he came out to put in his miles with the team. As the month went on, his miles increased as did the relationships he was building with his new teammates. This past month, Dave returned to the 13.1 mile distance, finishing the half at the BRF and has grown into a true friend and example for his teammates, helping several of our residential members through their own training. He’s become not just a runner on his own again, but a teammate, mentor, and friend for all of us at Team MCVET.”

Congratulations to all our Members of the Month!

Wow…what a month it was!  August brought Back on My Feet’s first duathlon, our 3^rd Annual Wipeout and more long Saturday runs as our teammates train for the Baltimore Running Festival!

Many of our team members participated in their first duathlon.  The event was a 2 mile run, 26 mile bike ride and 4 mile run through the hilly streets of Howard County.  The homes and scenery were beautiful, but we didn’t take much time to notice as we were climbing those hills with all of our energy!

On Saturday, August 20^th, we had our 3^rd Annual Wipeout.  Wipeout is a field day for adults where all 5 Baltimore teams, and this year a team from DC, battle it out in various events for bragging rights.  The events included relay races, tug o’ war, water balloon toss and many more. Baltimore Station took home the prize this year, while American Rescue Workers were awarded the most spirited team with painted faces and wigs showcasing the team.  We ended the day by enjoying the awards ceremony and lunch (and some trash talking!).  Everyone really enjoyed the event and we are already gearing up for next year.

The Saturday training runs for the Baltimore Running Festival continue to get longer.  By month’s end, some of our teammates training for the marathon will be up to runs of 18 miles.  With the race only 7 weeks away, it’s crunch time!

Now for some great highlights from some of our teams!

Here are some amazing things that have happened at American Rescue Workers and BoMF in August:

~Enjoyed and learned a ton from Dr. Josh who went over a brief overview on what they do in the Running Injury Clinic including learning what mistakes many runners make in their form, went crazy on the Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill, and then did some exercises that should be in every runner’s program.

• Celebrated a couple of birthdays including our Floyd!
• Both Floyd and Harold celebrated their 100 mile marker!
• WipeOut practices at Rash Field!
• Took home the best trophy ever! Disco Ball for the BEST SPIRIT! We honored Joe since we couldn’t have done it without his one-of-a-kind songwriting skillz.
• Most of Team American Rescue Workers are training for the Baltimore Running Festival in October, including res members; Floyd and Quentin are training for the half, Harold for the relay, and Joe for the 5k!!

At Team Helping Up Mission Baltimore (THUMB), Mike B., Nicko R. and Dave H. all completed their first duathlon, Du the 2, while Barry B. used his experience as a triathlete to complete this event as well!  The course was tough and the guys battled many hills, both on bike and on foot, and celebrated with other team members upon finishing the race.  It was a great day for these team members and all those that came out to support.

The team competed in Wipeout on August 20^th and THUMB got all decked out in orange tube socks and white shirts and brought our usual spirit.  The team competed in a field day with events like tug o’ war, relay race, water balloon toss and more.  THUMB even supported their Back on My Feet friends from DC by providing a few extra teammates to their team.

On August 5^th, our teammate and friend, Mike B., graduated from Helping up Mission and celebrated 1 year of sobriety.  Mike looks to attend college, maybe as soon as the fall semester, and also is training for his first marathon.  Congrats, Mike!

At Baltimore Station, both Kenny M. and Len L. completed Du the 2, their first ever duathlon event.  Though the rolling hills, 6 miles of running and 26 miles of cycling left them tired, they were both extremely proud of their accomplishments!

The Sharp-Leadenhall Green Team, a group of teenagers who spent the summer keeping the streets around Baltimore Station clean were supervised by our very own Sam M.  He was even quoted in a Baltimore Sun article about the group.  Though unable to make it out to run most mornings, we are certainly all very proud of him!  Now as summer is winding down, he is back out with the team.

Baltimore Station, the Station Nation, the underdog of underdogs showed up to Wipeout 2011 on a mission to go from lovable losers to champions.  Residential members George H., Kenny M., Len L., Alumnus Mitch S., and non-residential members John B., Dan M., Pat H., Travis, Kelcy N., Shawn, Mark M., and Erin M. provided just the right mix of speed, strength, and finesse to give the Station 56 points and the victory.  As our cheer so eloquently put it: we can bench 500 pounds, run an 8 second 100 meter dash, throw water balloons with finesse, and win, in dominating fashion!

American Rescue Workers Members of the Month: Joseph & Carrie

Joseph is one of the founding members of ARW and is still running strong.  Though he admits running up hill is one of his biggest weaknesses, he doesn’t let that get in the way of his accomplishments (such as finishing the St. Patrick’s Day 5K) or his goals (getting a job).  You might recognize Joseph showing off his musical brilliance as the bass behind the ARW team cheer.

Team Leader Carrie has been with the team since October and is gearing up for her biggest race since the B10: finishing the Baltimore half-marathon.  You’ll be able to spot her on race day amidst the sea of runners if you are on the lookout for the ARW team uniform – green wipeout wigs and warpaint.  She’ll be the one keeping pace to the tune of “keep breathing-keep talking-keep breathing-keep talking.”

Team Helping Up Members of the Month: Eric & James

When he’s not cleaning up the community around Helping Up, Eric can be found pushing himself to train harder as he prepares for the Baltimore Running Festival Relay.   Still reeling from his first race at the MCVET 5K, Eric takes an introspective approach to thinking about life when he’s out there getting his wind up to run longer distances.  His team leader Rob says  ”he’s has been a great addition to our team.  He has been very dedicated and focused since coming out for his first run.  He’s worked hard to overcome some obstacles that stood in his way this summer and has not let anything get in his way of enjoying his running.

Though the highlight of James’ Back on My Feet career up until this point was working at the Baltimore 10 Miler waterstop, he’s destined to top that as he prepares for the his first marathon at the Baltimore Running Festival this fall.     Running with his Helping Up Team relieves him of the obligation to THINK, and also gives him the opportunity to get to know his teammates.  He’s been a big inspiration to the team both through his consistent presence as well as his dedication to the training regimen.

Team Christopher Place Members of the Month: Chris & Jeanne

Chris has steadily been improving his endurance, not just in distance running, but areas of water balloon toss and tug-o-war, making him a versatile asset on any Wipeout team.  As of late, his running has been compromised by his newly acquired job hours.  While the team misses his presence, they are very excited for his next steps forward.

Mean Jeanne is a founding member of the Baltimore chapter, who, even after two years still “love[s] every run with BOMF. From the first mile for a new member, to celebrating mileage milestones, to any weekday run – there’s always something to smile about out there with the team.”  She has poured her heart into making sure her teammates are trained properly for the Baltimore Running Festival and claims she will be the loudest cheerleader as they cross that finish line. Is that a challenge?

MCVET Members of the Month: Tim & Dee

As one of our newest members, Tim has already accumulated over 100 miles and is well on his way to accomplishing his Baltimore Half Marathon goal.  As Tim’s teammates have noted, “From day one, he’s had a positive, enthusiastic attitude.”  He’s been dependable and committed, even on days when he worked 2-4am firewatch, or mornings when couldn’t run with team, and he’s also the first  to volunteer and support his teammates in whatever capacity needed. When he’s not out there focusing on his running form and movement, he’s enjoying some of his best moments with the team, running with people who are genuinely interested in who he is.

Dee is better known as our “Team Mom.” She still recounts her greatest BoMF moment completing the Philadelphia Marathon side by side with her teammate Gary.  She has the big SUV and is quick to carpool to BoMF races and events, and always has plenty of waters and Gatorades to keep everyone properly hydrated.  TL Peter says, “Her maternal nature goes beyond the clichés of carpooling or the fact that she is actually the mother of our teammate Lauren though. When our teammate, Sean, was in an accident that left him in the hospital for the past month, Dee has been quick to be there to look after him, visiting regularly and organizing activities at the hospital for the team to take part in.”  Not only does Dee truly does have the best interest of our teammates at heart, but she sets the bar very high for stylish running tights! You can catch her in those tights as she chases down a BQ at the Richmond Marathon in November.

June Members of the Month, Maria and Quentin

RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: QUENTIN L.

Shoe size: 10

Member since: March 2011

Miles accumulated: 52.6

Best BoMF moment: My first race, the Bruckenthal 5k

Biggest challenge with running: Working two jobs and running on no sleep.

Goal in the next three months: Get my GED.

What do you think about when you’re running?: Health and stamina

What was your last race and how did you do?: Bruckenthal 5k, came in third in age group!

Favorite post-race meal: coffee

What advice would you give a brand new runner?: Have the mind and willingness

NON-RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: MARIA PARSON

Shoe size: 7

Member since: March 2011

Best BoMF moment: I remember being particularly tired one day, and probably picked a 3 mile run with intentions of running really slowly. In the home stretch, headed back to ARW,  I didn’t have much energy left and felt myself slowing down. Somehow, Floyd was behind me – he must have been doing a 4 mile run, because he’s always at the head of the pack! – and I remember he told me to keep it going!! That definitely gave me the boost that I needed to pick up my pace and finish strong! Whenever I feel like I want to slow down, I tell myself to KEEP IT GOING!!

What has been your biggest challenge with running: Finding the time to run. With work, school, etc…it’s really hard to find the time to run.

What’s your next race with the BoMF crew?: Training for the Baltimore Half Marathon.

What do you think about when you’re running?: I think about how we are all working toward the same goal. No matter how fast, slow, or in between, we all come back to the same place!

What was your last race and how did you do?: Baltimore 10-Miler. I think I did well, considering it was my longest race. I wouldn’t have considered signing up for this on my own, but now that I’m a part of BoMF, I keep finding ways to challenge myself.

Favorite post-race meal: peanut butter and jelly

What advice would you give a brand new runner?: KEEP IT GOING!!!

Three classes have now been inducted.  If the evening could be summarized in one word, it would have to be foundation.  Each successive induction has drawn a larger crowd, indicative of an essential key to success – something to stand on.  The BoMF community creates this for each other and this growing alumni network continues to create a standard for success by which to support and challenge each other.  Last night was a living testament to the fact that this foundation is cumulative and continues to aggregate.

Representatives from all three classes were in attendance yesterday evening. Of 21 active alumni, 15 were present.  Old teammates were there to support new ones.  Founding teammates were there to pass on the BoMF legacy.  Teams were there to support other teams.  By the end of the evening, we had woven a new fabric interlaced with 10 new members, further bolstering the BoMF Baltimore foundation.  Both Mitchell Stallworth (BSTAT) and Darius Tabrizi (ARW) were both among the first alumni inducted from their respective teams.  CP had the largest contingent including Michael Fewster, Ricky Penn, Leon Pumphrey, Leonard Thomas and Donnell Williams, many of whom were working and could not be in attendance.  Arnold Shipman, the longest standing res member of BoMF was joined by absentee MCVET teammate Jeff Whitaker and Mike Hoffman from THUMB rounded out the honorees.

Congratulations to the new Alumni, many thanks to Rob Carfagno, Emily Bendann, Erin Dorrien, Dan Miranda, Brian Carlson, Christina Gallo and Sarah O’Connor who have stepped up to support their teammates as boosters, and kudos to Jennifer Manning, Todd Gaddy, Dan Miranda, Sue Demirkaya and Diane Amin who presented their teammates and touched the room with team remarks.  Thank you also to Charlie Tiller, Carlos Bailey, Barry Burnett, Darryl Mitchell (keynote speaker!), Michael Purdum, Jesse Rengesamy, Joshua Wingo, Wayne Turner and Terrell Stokes, all former alumni who came back to christen the new alumni and a heartfelt thanks to our Member Services Manager Nikia Williams for the graceful way she makes the alumni program possible.  Congratulations Class #3!

As one of our biggest advocates nationally, the partnership between the Baltimore Accenture office and the Baltimore BoMF chapter continues to thrive!  Accenture employees in Baltimore have supported the local chapter not just by running with Team American Rescue Workers on a regular basis, but also through volunteering at big events like our annual bash, and most recently through the launch of the Skills to Succeed program.  Working from a model developed in Philadelphia and Washington DC, Greg Luehrs coordinated the Accenture team of 6 people who put together presentations, mock interviews and one on one resume critique sessions for each of the four Back on My Feet members who participated.  Greg S. (MCVET), Gary W. (MCVET), Mike M. (Christopher’s Place) and Dominique Bailey (Christopher’s Place) were among the first class to take advantage of the program and they certainly showed up to maximize every benefit offered to them.  Read more…

For November’s team update and Member of the Month, each Baltimore team decided to share their team video, created for the Baltimore Running Festival. These videos were filmed over the summer and during the training for the Running Festival.  ARW’s team video is shared below:

ARW – Baltimore BOMF

Six months up, six months down. September has now come and gone with races, injuries and darker days (in the morning because it’s fall) descending upon the team, but the Rescue Rangers are moving forward lighting up the mornings regardless.

Read more…

“WE!  ARE!  RESCUE!  RANGERS!!”  These hallowed words were shouted by men and women that come together for a common purpose of determination, and those words echoed from the trampled earth to the blue sky on the grassy knolls of Patterson Park.  On a hot Saturday afternoon in August, the Rescue Rangers ran full steam ahead through the dog days of summer at WIPEOUT with the rest of Back On My Feet Baltimore.

As the ‘babies’ of BOMF in Charm City, the Rescue Rangers pulled in the silver cup at second place following closely behind our brothers and sisters in arms at CP.  It was a wild and crazy break to the training for the BRF, and allowed many of the team to showcase their various talents. Read more…