I’m the Flag Runner. As a Christian, veteran, and distance runner, I seek to show gratitude for the freedom I have – for the freedom we have available to us. You may have seen me with the US Flag on the Simpsonville roads or at an Upstate Ultra event. Search “Simpsonville Flag Runner,” on the Strava app to see my freedom message and running adventures.
Q: Tell us about yourself, including a little bit about where you grew up, your education, your family, interests, passions, and career?
I grew up in nearby Pelzer where I went to school at Wren, then to Clemson University, where I met my lovely bride. We tied the knot in 2000 while I was still a student, and the following year 9-11 happened. Five years later, after training in three states, three daughters born in three states, and after a deployment to Iraq, we returned to Greenville for the Army ROTC officer at Furman University, while I was getting my Master in Christian Ministry through North Greenville University Graduate School. I was their first ROTC graduate school student! You may have heard it said that you shouldn’t talk about politics and religion. I disagree; these are some of the only things worth discussing! Since I’ve returned from my last deployment to Kuwait in 2016, I’ve been a Technical Writer.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in The Golden Strip?
With the exception of my active duty Army time, I have lived in the area the rest of my life, so I’ve always been nearby, had a random visit – there’s no such thing as random! – or drove through the corridor for a special trip. I have been a proud resident of Simpsonville since May 2018, and am on the HOA board of directors in my neighborhood.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I’m silly; many see me as an extremely serious guy.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in The Golden Strip?
The Flag Guy is a transplant from the Colorado Springs area that I met in downtown Simpsonville. On Independence Day of this year, I was out on a Flag Run and he was flying the Flag and waving at the passing cars. This patriot used to organize and welcome home service members from their deployments, which means he likely welcomed me home in 2006 after my Operation Iraqi Freedom tour when I was stationed at Fort Carson, CO.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about The Golden Strip?
As a kid, my Wren Youth baseball teams would sometimes hold practices at the old baseball batting cages next to the Golden Lanes and Golden Skate. It’s sadly no longer there, but I do get to drive by Elite Baseball and Softball Academy frequently.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about The Golden Strip?
I just love the small-town feel of Simpsonville.
Q: With so much growth in our area, there are always new places popping up. Tell us about the a “new to you” place that you recently tried.
I love breakfast food, so it’s Eggs Up Grill for me.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME or NEIGHBOR?
Love. Stability. Unity.
Q: If you had friends or family visiting you from out of town, what is the one place that you must take them to?
The Heritage Park – besides the park being a great place for exercise, it’s also a great place to meet others and enjoy an event.
Q: If you had a free day with no plans, what would you do? Or where can we find you on the weekends?
My signature weekend activity has become running the town and trying to count all the responses I receive while on a Flag Run. I love counting car honks and waves! If I’m not able to run the town, I’m most likely at an Upstate Ultra event with the SC Ultra Marathon – SCUM! – Club. It’s been an amazingly challenging year. Among other personal records, this year I’ve reached the 50-mile mark three different times!
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
Keanu Reeves or Brendan Fraser
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Jerusalem!
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
Be thankful for freedom. Pure freedom is from God through Jesus, but we also have freedom in our Land. Show some gratitude, and vote against the growing tyranny in our country.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for this project, The Faces of The Golden Strip?
VIP Photography, Michael and Sheila Mays
