Spc. David Kiplagat, left, a unit supply specialist

Spc. David Kiplagat, left, a unit supply specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, runs with brothers Paul Rottich, middle, and Solomon Kandie in last year’s Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska. Kiplagat, a three-time champion in the marathon, used a running scholarship to the University of Alaska-Anchorage as a means to come to the United States. After earning three degrees and his U.S. citizenship, Kiplagat decided to earn his way further through service in the U.S. Army. (Photo courtesy)