T25 and Team Gump is rolling through the beautiful USA with a lot of speed and motivation!

The runners are feeling really strong … as we powered up the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountain Range. The sights and sounds of the mountain ranges of West Virginia are truly amazing. The people of the Appalachians were really shocked to see runners in their neck of the woods. We got some strange looks and a slight wave … but you can see them scratching their heads in disbelief.

The dogs of WV have a favourite food and its called MARINE! British or American it doesn’t matter … they just want a big thick Marine. On one occasion MD was almost the main meal. His quick reaction saved him from the jaws of death. He ran with lightening speed and jumped onto the hood of the SUV. The funny thing was the dog was a stray poodle … Damn pongos.

Team Gump rolled into Nashville, TN and the city welcomed us with open arms. In true Gump fashion about 200 runners linked up with Lloyd and I and ran across the Shelby Bridge that’s located next to the Titan’s Stadium and continued to the Cadillac Ranch. The amazing country singer Matt Steel performed for the team and his fans. If you don’t know who Matt Steel is look him up … he’s damn good!

A quick thank you to Nashville and to all the folks that helped us with our cause.

To my fellow Americans, here’s your chance to make a difference … here’s your chance to do something for your country that you’re so proud of … when you wake up in the morning and you look in that mirror please look hard into your eyes, think about how safe your family is, think about the ball game you and your son watched together or the family dinner you had with your loved ones. Then take time to think about the Marines and Sailors that are fighting for our country, defending our way of life. For some its a minute thought, for others we adore and love our troops. So here’s your chance to do something for our wounded Marines and Sailors and make a difference in their life, they need our help. They have given their all can you please give something back to them. God bless our country, God bless the Marine Corps but, most of all, God bless our wounded warriors.

MGySgt Charles ‘Chunks’ Padilla

Text GUMP to 50555 to donate $10 or 70800 to donate £5