Maine soldiers run 21 marathons in 21 days

KITTERY, Maine -- Two soldiers serving in the Maine Army National Guard have just started a grueling journey: 21 marathons in 21 days.

They're running to encourage other veterans to take care of their physical and mental health after returning from war.

Colonel Jack Mosher and Major Jay Brock know what they're about to do is going to be tough. Not many people are willing to attempt one marathon, let alone 21 in 21 days.

"It's going to be a long road. It's going to be a long, hard road," Mosher said.

The marathons are a metaphor for the daily struggles many veterans face when they return from war.

While some come home with post traumatic stress disorder, others just have a little trouble readjusting to their old lives.

"The idea is to let veterans know that it's okay to talk to a buddy. It's okay to ask for help, and do those kinds of things," Brock said.

Mosher and Brock will be taking their message to veteran centers in cities all over the Northeast in the coming days -- finishing their journey at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day Weekend.

The two officers have been running 60 to 80 miles a day to get ready.

They say the 21 day race symbolizes a 21-gun salute.

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