Construction Inspector Jason Greene wasn’t about to let a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass him by, so to speak. He proudly made the run of his life in honor of his late grandfather by participating in the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay. The relay marking the state’s 200th birthday covered 3,200 miles and all of Indiana’s 92 counties. It began September 9 in Corydon, the first state capital, and ended October 15 at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Jason ran his one-fourth-mile leg on September 13 in his native Martin County in memory of his grandfather, Robert “Bob” Greene. The Martin County Bicentennial Committee chose Jason from among many torch bearer nominations it received from residents. Grandpa Greene was very active in his community as a Loogootee policeman, former county commissioner, and the acknowledged Martin County historian for many years before his death in 2009.

During his run, Jason’s official escort was his own cousin, Josh Greene, chief deputy of the Martin County Sheriff’s Department. Jason said this about his experience: “It was great being around family during this event. The best part is that the medal I received, the Martin County ambassador and torchbearer pins, and the photo of my grandpa (all on my medal) will forever be where grandpa enjoyed spending his time – the Martin County museum. I donated my medal and attachments to the museum so that it will be there for future generations to enjoy.”