BY SUSAN CLARK
Sitting back in his office chair, Michael Couhie is flanked by pictures of his two sons in military uniforms.
“They have my back,” he said. “It’s funny, the things you hold onto. I get comfort from strong pictures of them.”
While Michael and Suzanne Couhie of Weare await the safe return of their son, Patrick, 21, from Iraq, they want to make sure American soldiers and their families know they are not alone.
As a tribute to fallen soldier, Russell Durgin, who died on the field in Afghanistan in June 2006, the Couhies are gathering runners and walkers of all ages to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project – a nonprofit that helps injured soldiers transition into civilian life.
The Russell M. Durgin Memorial Road Race – a 5K run/walk and kids fun run – takes place Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, at Pat’s Peak in Henniker. The course is paved along country roads with mountain brook views.
The race is a fitting honor for Russell, 23, a 2001 graduate of John Stark Regional High School, said his mother, Jean Durgin of Henniker.
“Many people know how wonderful my son was, a young man who had a lot to offer. He was an honorable man, often one of mischief. A true hero, and we all miss him,” Durgin said.
The day of her son’s funeral, about 1,000 people lined a Route 114 bridge over routes 202/9 as the funeral procession passed. One the many hand-made banners on the bridge simply read, “You’re a hero.”
“It was an incredible sight. People came from other states, soldiers, their wives, mothers and fathers. On the bridge, people were standing, waving, saluting and applauding,” Durgin said.
A bill to dedicate the bridge in Russell Durgin’s name is waiting Gov. Lynch’s signature, after passing in both the state House and Senate.
Russell was serving a second tour with the 10th Mountain Division Army when he died just short of his 24th birthday, and his twin brother, Sean, was in the Air National Guard. Both went to summer boot camp while still in high school, and enlisted after graduation. Russell was engaged to be married to Michele Dougherty.
Henniker is planning events to honor all soldiers and veterans on Memorial Day, and Jean Durgin said she is going to try to be everywhere that day.
Including the 5K race/walk at Pat’s Peak, where her good friend is coming from Chicago to take part.
“I’m excited because people have been calling and e-mailing me saying they’re coming,” Durgin said.
Organizing a race take a lot of work to ensure logistics and legal paperwork are covered.
But the Couhie’s believe it is well worth the effort to help soldiers’ return to civilian life, and that’s why the chose to help the Wounded Warrior Project in Russell’s name.
“The transition back is the hardest,” Suzanne said. “They’re not prepared to deal with the psychological as well as physiological damage. The emotional scarring is huge.”
The Couhie said they are very moved by Russell’s death and Michael often sits by the young soldier’s grave and just talks. Russell died one month before the Couhies’ son, Jeremiah, was expected home from Iraq.
“That could have been Jeremiah,’ said Suzanne. “That’s why I think it hit us so deeply.”
When Jeremiah Couhie, 24, a member of the Army Special Forces and a Korean linguist, returned home, he had a hard time acclimating like many soldiers, Michael said. During a job interview Jeremiah mentioned having military experience. The prospective employer said to him, “So what?”
“So what? That’s the type of person I want to go and pull them off the desk. They have no vested interest,” said Michael. “We need to provide services to help (these soldiers) heal.”
The Couhies knew Russell and Sean Durgin from John Stark Regional High School and as tae kwon do students.
At the Couhies’ Riverside Taekwondo Hapkido on Route 114 in Weare, students and families are anticipating the race as a way to give back to the community.
One student, Lindsay Herlihy, 18, of Dunbarton, is suffering from tendonitis, but wants to do her part.
“I can’t run, but whatever they need me for, I’ll do,” said Herlihy, who has earned a black belt and is working toward a second-degree belt.
At the school, she learns the Code of the Warrior: Loyalty to one’s country; loyalty to one’s parents; trust and brotherhood among fiends; courage never to retreat in the face of the enemy; and justice never to take a life without just cause.
These values as well as community service and making a difference are values the Couhies instill in their four children – including two daughters, Erin, 30, and Colleen, 28 – and in their taekwondo students. It’s also the first martial arts school to sign up for the adopt a highway program.
“Being part of your community is giving back to your community,” said Suzanne.
Michael is also dedicated to shaping the next generation of Americans.
“These are the kids who will be ruling our country some day. We need to prepare them,” said Michael, who has been learning martial arts since 1959, and is only the second American to earn an eighth-degree black belt.
Of the 150 students at the hapkido, 18 are serving in the military, Suzanne said.
The Couhies are filled with pride as their sons and students serve their country, and hope their actions send the message of hope and love.
“You go through the daily routine of living life but it’s always in the back of your mind, ‘Are they OK?’” said Suzanne. You have to have endurance. They need to know we’re OK over here, so they can do their jobs over there.”
The Russell M. Durgin Memorial Road Race starts at 8 a.m., with check in beginning at 6:30 a.m. The 1-mile Fun Run begins at 7:40 a.m. The 5K race course is certified with ChampionChip timing. Prizes will be awarded as well raffle drawings.
Individual runners/walkers and teams of four can register online at www.durgin5k.com. preregistration costs $15 per person or $20 per person the day of the event.
The price for teams is $45 per team. T-shirts will be given to the first 150 registrants.
For more information, e-mail russelldurginroadrace@hotmail.com or call 529-5425.