The 21st Annual Army Ten-Miler, America's largest 10-mile race, has attracted 20,000 runners from around the world to run a course that starts and finishes at the Pentagon. The participants will run past national landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Capitol.

Participation in the Army's premier event holds significant meaning to soldiers and civilians alike. One group of special interest is the "Missing Parts in Action." This team includes amputee veterans and their physical therapists. They made their Army Ten-Miler debut last year, and while many runners are different on this year's team, they all have the same courage and strength. For them, the Army Ten-Miler means proving to themselves and everyone else that amputees can compete.

"While they have sustained serious injuries, they will not be wheelchair bound for the rest of their lives. They can still compete and this race gives them the opportunity to run with a team, set goals as individuals, and meet those goals," says Captain Matt Scherer, a physical therapist at Walter Reed Medical Center.

Members of "Missing Parts in Action" do not allow their injuries to hold them back. Captain (Ret) Dawn Halfaker serves as the team captain. Originally from San Diego, CA. CPT Halfaker graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 2001 and was commissioned as an Army officer into the Military Police Corps. She served as a platoon leader in Korea for a year in the 2nd Military Police Company, 2nd Infantry Division, with a follow on assignment in Fort Stewart, GA with the 3rd Military Police Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division.

CPT Halfaker was deployed to Iraq in February 2004 where her platoon operated out of an Iraqi police station. She was wounded June 19, 2004 while on patrol; her right arm was amputated at the shoulder. She retired from the Army on June 8, 2005.

LCPL Aaron Rice is originally from Hattiesburg, MS, and joined the Marine Corps Reserve in January 2004. He was a college student at Mississippi State and activated and deployed to Iraq in January, 2005, with the 3/25 Marines, an infantry battalion. LCPL Rice was wounded on March 18, 2005 when his Humvee struck a land mine; he received a left transtibial amputation and other injuries sustained include shrapnel in his left eye, a wound to the right heel, a right thumb fracture, and a perforated eardrum.

LCPL Rice has excelled in his rehabilitation and participated in the Soldier Ride across the United States, rock climbing, and kayaking. LCPL Rice plans to return to Mississippi State to study political science.

Cheer on "Missing Parts in Action" and the other 20,000 runners who will descend up our Nation's Capital this Sunday. The weekend kicks off this Friday with a two-day race Expo, a press conference, featuring members of the Missing Parts in Action team and others, clinics, and the GEICO Pasta Dinner at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA. The race starts at 8:00 AM on Sunday, October 2, at the Pentagon.

Other race day activities include Youth Runs, 94.7 Post Race Party featuring bands, entertainment and a live broadcast, the HOOAH Tent Zone, and a Youth Activity Zone complete with displays, inflatables, the GEICO Gecko, and McGruff the Crime Dog.

For complete race weekend information, media kits, and more, visit www.armytenmiler.com.