A daily look at the people who will carry the Olympic flame through the Tristate Dec. 17 and 18:

        • Patty Garrett, 38, College Hill, field services manager for Delta Airlines, volunteer coordinator for Delta, serves on Seven Hills Neighborhood House and Impact Over-The-Rhine boards, and coaches children's athletic teams. The Olympics “symbolize people of all nationalities, creeds and colors uniting as one.”

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        • Keith Gebhart, 45, Hamilton, senior pastor of Fairfield Township First Church of God. The 2002 Olympics are important, he says, “because they're going to show that we, as a nation, are reaching out to the world and getting back to normal. I think it's important to have other nations back on our soil.”

        • Raymond Gleason, 54, Delhi Township, was serving as a Marine in Vietnam when he was shot in the head in 1967. He had to learn to talk, walk and write all over again. He was able to work several years for the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services, helping other veterans get jobs. Now retired on a medical disability, he remains active in veterans organizations. “The Olympics symbolize unity, spirit and pride. The American people emphasized their Olympic spirit after the tragic events of Sept. 11 by pulling together as a nation when it mattered most.”

        • Nick Greco, 61, Maineville, retired from Chiquita. Twenty-five years ago, Nick Greco was commuting from New York City to Connecticut, smoking three packs a day, pushing 190 pounds and hacking his way through the day. He saw an ad for the New York City Marathon and said, “That's enough.” In five months, he was sweating his way through his first of 26 of the Big Apple races. Now, he's a champion of runners. “There is an athlete in every one of us — physical or mental — and the Olympics symbolizes reaching within ourselves and becoming the best.” • Brady Harrison, 27, Mount Auburn, a classical musician who also helps manage an outdoor outfitter shop. Three years ago he survived a bout with cancer. His love for mountain and rock climbing also has brought close calls. He has lived through avalanches, and once was struck by lightning. Undetered, he plans a conquest of a mountain in Nepal. His advice to others: “Go live your dream.”

        • Robert “Chip” Harrod, 54, Montgomery, suspects his spin with the Olympic torch is due to his founding role in the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, planned for the riverfront. The Olympic spirit, to him, is one he has already felt in running several marathons — feeling at one with the other runners regardless of race, religion or other differences. “The Olympics still represent the elusive ideal of people of different races, religions and ethnic backgrounds co-existing peacefully based on a mutual respect and understanding,” says the executive director,Greater Cincinnati region of The National Conference for Community and Justice.

        John Johnston, Jim Knippenberg and Joy Kraft contributed to this report.

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