"Working on 34 years of being clean and sober," Runge said.

Now in long-term recovery, the husband and father overcame addiction while serving in the military.

"As a young Marine, one day I had hit rock bottom after multiple combat tours and I came to a place where I needed help," Runge said. "I felt hopeless and my life was spinning out of control."

His story of perseverance motivated the Chesterfield pastor to help others do the same.

"Over the last 34 years I've tried to always aspire to be a hope dealer, to give other people hope the way someone gave me hope one day," Runge said.

He started the M3 Bridge Recovery Ministry, which includes five recovery houses for men in the area.

"We give them everything they need, the resources and the tools," Runge said. "What we try to do is gi

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