Corporal runs 565 miles to raise awareness of veteran issues

After running 565 miles in more than a month, crossing four states, Corporal Cory Smith made it home Wednesday.
 
On Jan. 3, Cpl. Smith left Columbus, Georgia, to begin his journey back to the Circle City.  He had been with the Army for about four years and completed his duties with the 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment.  Cpl. Smith said he decided to run 565 miles after he said he separated from his wife, who moved to Indianapolis with their daughter.
 
"I was going through struggles with my marriage, whenever my wife and daughter moved up here as (of) September and I was left down there," he shared.  "I didn't have a whole lot except time," he said.
 
"Run Ranger Run" Cpl. Smith said he chose to run because it helped him with stress.  He said he also wanted to be an advocate for many Veterans who need help transitioning out of military life.

"I just thought about the people overseas, right now, and they don't stop.  They don't stop.  Everyday they wake up (and) face the same hazardous duties, stuff like that, you know.  They don't stop for the flag and I'm not going to stop for them," he said.
 
Cpl. Smith partnered with GallantFew, Inc., which helps Veterans transition from military life to civilian life. They work to find mentors for veterans.
 
"What we do is something that does not cost a lot of money; it's mentoring by veterans that have been in their shoes and can help pull them across that gap from being a soldier and being a civilian," GallantFew, Inc., Founder Karl Monger said.
 
Monger said the transition is hard for Veterans. 

"There are Veterans out there right now, struggling because they think that the feelings that they have inside themselves are feelings that they alone have," Monger said.
 
Monger said the message they hope to promote is that Veterans are not alone.
 
Mayor Greg Ballard declared Feb. 8, GallantFew Day.  Representatives from Congressman Andre Carson's office presented Cpl. Smith with congressional recognition.  Cpl. Smith was also invited to participate in the Mayor Ballard's advisory council for veterans.