So much of what happens in the battlefields of Afghanistan couldn't happen without training.
Miami's Chris Plummer knew that. The Army National guardsman was flying his Apache helicopter near Raleigh in 2005 in a training exercise when he crashed and died.
"I'm blessed with having him in my life,” says his sister Terri Sabbag. “He was a fantastic friend and a great brother. And I miss him."
Sabbag and mom and the whole family struggle with their loss to this day.
Plummer was piloting with another Army National guardsmen when his mom Roxann says they were doing low-altitude drills up and over hills.
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"The sun came up and they didn't see a power line. And the power line took off the blade and they died instantly," Roxann said.
And now, of all things, the Boston Marathon on Monday will be where Plummer is honored by close friend Capt. Jon Parsons and others all running the race, as they've done before, in full army gear and rucksacks.
They'll raise money for the Chris Plummer scholarship at the University of Florida.
"Makes me feel great. Our family is absolutely delighted and honored," said Sabbag.
They'll raise money for the Chris Plummer scholarship at the University of Florida.
"Makes me feel great. Our family is absolutely delighted and honored," said Sabbag.
The scholarships, if they can reach a $30,000 endowment - will live on in perpetuity.
To donate, click here and search “Plummer.”
There is also a Facebook page complete with a video of the rucksack march in the Boston Marathon and the other charities also benefitting from the Army National guardsmen.
