Stories

Thomas 2nd New York City Marathon An Army mechanic turned engineer turned marathon runner. This November, Thomas will run the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon as a member of Team Mission United.  When Thomas enlisted in the US Army, he took to running and discovered he had a strong lung capacity. Within months Thomas became the leader of his troop’s group runs, setting the pace and keeping his…
Bryan 1st New York City Marathon After serving in the U.S. Army for six years, Bryan is excited to join United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United as he raises funds for veterans and Long Islanders affected by COVID-19 ahead of this fall's New York City Marathon. Following his graduation from the Merchant Marine Academy in 2007, Bryan was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and stationed at…
Nick 1st New York City Marathon After sailing in the Merchant Marine and spending eight years in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Nick is excited to join United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United in support of veterans and Long Islanders affected by COVID-19 ahead of this fall's New York City Marathon. A Lindenhurst native, Nick attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy before sailing on…
Francesca, Team Mission United Runner
Francesca 1st New York City Marathon Back in college, many of Francesca’s friends were student-athletes on the Quinnipiac cross country team. She watched from afar as they ran competitively then, but today, they share laughs over the fact that the roles are reversed. Francesca is excited to join United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United, raising funds for veterans and Long Islanders…
Kim 1st New York City Marathon Kim is excited to join United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United, raising funds for veterans and Long Islanders affected by COVID-19 ahead of this fall's New York City Marathon. The cause hits close to home for Kim, whose stepfather completed three tours in Vietnam. Her grandfather also served in the Army, while one of her close friends is a Purple Heart…
Rev. Eugene & Wife Sylvia WWII Veteran Rev. Eugene is an Army Air Corps.Veteran who dedicated his service to our country during WWII. Following his military service, he moved to New York with his uncle and became an ordained minister. Rev. Eugene worked for an optician in New York City, which is where he met his future wife, Sylvia. The couple married and moved to Long Island. It was in…
Kristi 3 Ironman Triathlons  11 Marathons Completed, 2nd New York City Marathon  Program Director  Kristi is grateful to be on United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United, raising funds for veterans and those affected by COVID-19 in her community.  In 2020, the New York City Marathon was cancelled due to the pandemic. Despite this, Kristi remained committed to fundraising for her community…
Ronnie, Team Mission United Runner for veterans
Ronnie 1st New York City Marathon Financial Services Ronnie is grateful to be on United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United, raising funds for veterans and those affected by COVID-19 in her community.  In 2020, the New York City Marathon was cancelled due to the pandemic. Despite this, Ronnie remained committed to fundraising for her community during their time of need; she also participated…
Alma, Team Mission United Runner for veterans
Alma 29th New York City Marathon Elementary School Principal Alma is grateful to be on United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United, raising funds for veterans and those affected by COVID-19 in her community.  In 2020, the New York City Marathon was cancelled due to the pandemic. Despite this, Alma remained committed to fundraising for her community during its time of need, and she also…
Alex, Team Mission United runner for veterans
Alex 1st New York City Marathon Operations Specialist Alex is grateful to be on United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United, raising funds for veterans and those affected by COVID-19 in his community.  In 2020, the New York City Marathon was cancelled due to the pandemic. Despite this, Alex remained committed to fundraising while also participating in the virtual New York Road Runners’ Run…