HELLO Arizona!

Let me start off by saying THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! I just returned home after attending the closing ceremonies in LA. What a wonderful conclusion to such a monumental event.

Sincere Thanks to Mike Burr and the National Committee for dreaming up this idea and following through. Your personal sacrifice in making this journey a reality is unbelievable. You will never truly understand how many lives you have touched with your kind spirit, dedication and generosity.

It is hard to sum up how proud I was to help coordinate Arizona. It was an honor and a privilege to work alongside Arizona's Team. Coordinators Ken White, Steve Case, Angela Langer, Teresa Viele and Kathy Connolly are five outstanding individuals who really made this an incredible journey for Arizona. Thank you all for making this an absolutely amazing an unforgettable experience.

It brings tears to my eyes when I recount the many hours I spent with Old Glory and the people of Arizona. The dedication and patriotism of everyone involved is second to none. Your participation is a true testament to the strength and will of the American people.

Everyone I met along the way touched my heart. My puppy Mulligan and I flew in from our home in Kentucky to meet up with the flag on November 7th in Superior. The outpouring of support from the people of Arizona was incredible.

Thank you to Ellen Kretsch for all your hard work. I understand that you had quite a turn out in Globe. Your enthusiasm and spirit jumped through the phone during our conversations. I only wish I had been able to meet you in person. Thank you again for a job well done!

Somewhere along the way from Superior to Apache Junction I met a little boy named Garrett. He ran alongside his mom and held the flag with an incredible sense of pride. Although it was way past his bed time and the journey was long, he kept smiling. He occasionally sat with me in the RV and held my puppy Mulligan. Just a short break for him and then back out to run. Nothing could stop this kid. He is a true source of inspiration for all of us. Thank you Garrett!

I will never forget the amazing reception we received at 12:30 AM in Apache Junction at the Bashas Supermarket. A huge THANK YOU to Judy and Steve Stricker for organizing such a warm welcome. (Judy is a United Airlines Retiree with a seniority date from 1966!) There were signs, tons of food and a lot of excited people. Thank you to the young boy who played God Bless America on his clarinet while we all sang. It was a really touching moment. God Bless Steve and Judy for all their efforts.

Our journey continued into Tempe where I finally got to meet Liz Itter. What a truly incredible woman. She had a smile that stretched from ear to ear and a warmth of spirit that you could almost reach out and touch. Thank you for all your hard work in making our staging area at Chili's a success. The bridge at 5:32 AM! We actually did it! You are amazing. (Did you see yourself on TV?) Way to go Liz!

As we approached the State Capitol I met a little bundle of energy named Anna Ruiz. She organized our staging area at the Capitol and did a tremendous job. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and kindness. When you came up and hugged me you lifted my spirit. You are a truly incredible American.

To all the POLICE, FIRE and EMS workers of Arizona. Thank you for keeping our runners and Old Glory safe. This incredible journey would not have been accomplished if it weren't for your efforts. Thanks for letting me run so many red lights in the RV! What a blast that was! Your fallen brothers and sisters would be so proud of the shining example you all are. You keep us safe everyday and for that we can never repay you. God Bless you all.

Police Officer Eric from the Mesa Police Department you are amazing. Running five miles in your full uniform and boots. I don't know how you did it. What a touching tribute to all our fallen heroes. Thank you!

THANK YOU ALL for the amazing memories that I will always hold dear to my heart. This entire experience has been so rewarding. You have renewed my faith in the American people. I will never find a better group of individuals than the ones I met in Arizona. You all make me proud to be an American.

GOD BLESS ARIZONA AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Heather Buxton - East Side Staging Area Coordinator

P.S. I took a lot of photos along the way so E-mail me and I will send you what I have. If you ran between Superior and Litchfield then I probably have a photo of you.

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