After 14 months in Iraq and another eight in Afghanistan, one would think Mike Kielty would spend his two-week leave relaxing, but the U.S. soldier instead is running the upcoming Philadelphia Marathon for a good cause.
Kielty, 30, has been training for months in Afghanistan to run the marathon on Sunday to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, which benefits disabled and wounded troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. So far, he has raised over $55,000.
Click here for a video report from MyFoxNY.com.
In addition to running for the Wounded Warrior Project, Kielty also is raising money for charities honoring three former high school classmates who were killed in Iraq.
"I want to help raise awareness about the great sacrifice they made," Kielty said.
Kielty's Race for Heroes is featured in the "Special Edition" section of www.takepride.com, which provides donation information.
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox