Third year
I will participate in my third Law Enforcement Torch Run this year which will be in two phases for me. First, this year I am going to attempt to ride from Helena, Montana to Great Falls, Montana a distance of 89 miles. It there were not some pretty significant climbs I wouldn't be too worried about the distance. The second phase is what is known as the final leg. That is where the LE individuals gather and run the file 1.5 miles of the run together. I can tell you there were some pretty salty cops last year who were getting tears in their eyes as the athletes cheered us on while we went by. I of course take special pride in knowing that prior to this surgery I couldn't have ran a block. In anycase, I have attached a wiget if you can to look.
The widget you attached? Where is that? Is there a link missing? 
I apologize for the typos, I was minus a few hours of sleep when I posted this. In any case, to further explain the process, there are several torches which traverse the state. As Montana is the 4th largest state in size, but not population, we tend to have lost of ground to cover. The first year I particpated was in April of 2005, or just a little over a year from when I had surgery. I rode over 30 miles to move the torch from Great Falls to Helena. Last year I anticpated riding farther, but due to a bike mishap I only rode the 30 miles again, and as the games were held in Great Falls I participated in the "Final Leg". This year I plan on riding the entire distance and doing the "Final Leg". Last year, we lined up in formation and ran to the State Fair grounds and sight of the Opening Ceremonies. It was an day in which the temp**** the 90's, which is usually the case for Montana in May. We were issued long sleeved, heavy black shirts to run in and the pace was pretty good. Anyway, the point to all of this is just as I was starting to get tired, we reached the point where the Special Olympic Athletes could see us. They and their families began to cheer us on, and I can't describe just how fleet of foot I began to feel due to their support. For the last 1/4 mile we ran through a path lined with patrol cars with our lights going. We had enough time to shower, and change into our dress uniforms to return to the actual lighting of the flame. We marched into the arena to a full house of people standing and cheering. We formed a circle around the flame and the National Anthem was sung. My wife and children were in the crowd and I would be hard pressed to find a time when I couldn't see how proud my girls were of me. Anyway, I'm doing it again and I set a lofty goal of raising $1000.00 for the cause. Understand, I receive no prize or anything for raising the funds, I do it because I believe in the cause. I tried to attach a wiget to the prior post, but I'll attach the actual sight to this one. I realize you can't all give, and some of you who can want it to remain local, but I can tell you your positive thoughts and support help me as I traverse along the path. The sight is my name and badge number, in case you are wondering. Thanks again, I count on all of you guys and gals, and you inspire me as I move along.
http://www.firstgiving.com/kenmatteson75
Happy anniversary, Ken. If we all had hearts as big as yours this country - and the world - would be in a different place. Yours is one of the few voices I've been fortunate to actually hear, allowing me to match voice to face...let's see, yours, Connie's, Mike's (we're buddies as you know), Pammie (where's Pammie?) - and when I spoke with you while you were in the hospital after your TT surgery, I knew that this man loomed large in every respect, minus the body fat - heart, spirit, mind, soul...we are so fortunate to know you. Ken, I want to sponsor you but I don't have a credit card - please email me off line ([email protected]) and give me the address where I should mail a check. And folks, if you can help Ken out, let's see what we can do to help him meet his goal. Take care, my friend. Maureen
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