NMOTC XO Goes the Distance
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Lieberknecht Navy Medicine Operational Training Center Capt. Michael Kohler was seated in an English class in 1994. His instructor asked the class to complete an unusual yet simple assignment. He had the class think of a remarkable accomplishment that would be fulfilled over the next 20 years. Kohler simply wrote down “to visit every state in the U.S.” In May of 2018, Kohler completed his goal from 1994, but with a twist. “Around this time I had started to pick up running again”, said Kohler. “I thought you know, maybe I should do something even bigger than just going to every state. Maybe I should run a marathon in every state.” Kohler, now executive officer of Navy Medicine Operational Training Center, grew up in Longmont, Colorado just outside of Boulder. His high school was known for its football team and Kohler played both basketball and football. His basketball coach suggested he try out for the school’s cross-country program. He ...