In August 2009, the life of Lisa Hallett changed irrevocably with the loss of her husband, Captain John Hallett. To many, he was Captain John, a dedicated Army officer respected by his Soldiers and peers. But to Lisa, he was simply John, the red-headed boy she had known since kindergarten, her best friend, and the man she knew she would marry since a high school mission trip to Mexico.
Their life together was a quintessential military journey – marked by frequent moves, a deployment to Iraq, the joy of welcoming two children, extended training exercises, and the bittersweet rhythm of goodbyes and reunions. In 2009, as Lisa was expecting their third child, Captain John deployed to Afghanistan with his unit.
Six weeks into his deployment, at a family readiness group meeting, Lisa’s world was turned upside down. A tap on her shoulder and a somber request from the rear detachment commander led her to a room where two uniformed officers delivered devastating news. “The Secretary of Defense regrets to inform you that your husband, Capt. John L. Hallett, is believed to have perished in the fires…” The word “believed” echoed in her mind, but the reality was undeniable. Captain John was gone, leaving behind a three-year-old, a one-year-old, and an infant he would never meet.
Lisa Hallett being escorted by a rear detachment commander to receive news about Captain John Hallett.
Captain John Hallett, along with three other brave soldiers, was killed on August 25, 2009, while returning from a mission to deliver medicine to a village battling a cholera outbreak. He was not coming home. The man known as Captain Hallett to the Army was, to Lisa and her children, a void that seemed impossible to fill.
The Enduring Spirit of Captain John
Navigating the crushing grief that followed, Lisa found herself at a crossroads. The pain threatened to consume her, but she knew she couldn’t succumb to despair for the sake of her children and in honor of John’s vibrant life. Drawing strength from her memories of Captain John and the values he embodied, she sought a path forward, one that was inspired by his life, not defined by his death.
Running, a constant in her life throughout John’s military career, became her sanctuary. With each mile, she found resilience and a way to mend her broken heart. From this personal healing journey emerged a powerful initiative. Together with fellow military spouses, Lisa co-founded Wear Blue: Run to Remember, a national non-profit organization.
Lisa Hallett finds solace and strength in running after the loss of Captain John Hallett.
Wear Blue became her way to live inspired by Captain John’s selfless service. It was a conscious decision to honor his sacrifice by emulating his example of serving others. Every day, Lisa embraced the opportunity to “see, do, and be more,” a philosophy deeply resonant with John’s life.
Captain John’s Lasting Impact
Though Captain John’s physical presence was lost, his essence lived on. His infectious grin, his unwavering commitment to integrity, his meticulous nature, his tireless work ethic, and his profound love for family and friends – these qualities were beautifully reflected in his children. And with every story shared, every time his name is spoken, Captain John’s spirit continues to inspire. Each act of kindness, bravery, and living life a little “bigger” serves as a testament to his enduring legacy.
Lisa Hallett’s work with Wear Blue: Run to Remember stands as a powerful tribute to Captain John and all fallen military heroes. The organization, through its Wear Blue Mile tributes, Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program, and global Saturday Run communities, provides invaluable support to families of the fallen, strengthens military communities, and ensures that sacrifices are never forgotten.
Wear Blue: Run to Remember community honors fallen military heroes through active remembrance.
This Memorial Day, join Wear Blue in honoring our nation’s fallen military heroes. Visit https://www.wearblueruntoremember.org/ to commit to purposeful remembrance and receive the name of a fallen service member to honor with your steps. Let us collectively ensure that the 65,502 service members who have given their lives since the Vietnam War are honored and remembered within their peers’ lifetime, keeping the spirit of heroes like Captain John Hallett alive for generations to come.
