My Life In Combat Boots

In celebration of Military Appreciation Month and Mother’s Day, we celebrate, honor, and remember the stories of Military Moms across the country. This week we connect you with a motivated, passionate, and dedicated Military Mom, Amy Cotta, whose son SSG Tyler Zych has been serving in the United States Marine Corps since 2011.

How far do you think you'd get running 26.2 miles in combat boots while carrying a backpack covered with photographs of 21 servicemen who died defending our country? And consider that Cotta's run came after biking for nearly 116 miles and swimming more than a mile that same day.

It was a moment that would change not just her own life but also the lives of countless military families around the country.

Every few paces of the half-marathon, Franklin resident Amy Cotta received a thank you.

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Dressed in military camouflage, combat boots and 21 photos of fallen soldiers, the woman was there to represent her son, military members and her family.