FORT RUCKER, Ala. (April 9, 2015) -- Hundreds of runners are expected to lace up for the Survivor and Fallen Heroes 5K April 11 to honor Soldiers and families who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The run starts at 8 a.m., with race-day registration beginning at 6:30 a.m. at the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Center on Andrews Avenue. The fun run is open to all children, free of charge, and will begin after the 5K race is complete. Each fun run participant will receive a medal. Cost for the 5k is $25 with a shirt -- while supplies last. Refreshments will be provided. The race is open to the public. Trophies will be awarded in various categories.
Runners will have the opportunity to wear a gold star during the run to honor Gold Star Families and fallen heroes, according to Rick Kohl, Survivor Outreach Services support coordinator, who added that a few guests of honor will also be present to witness the event.
"There will be approximately 35 family members attending representing 14 fallen Soldiers," he said. "There are 523 fallen service members from the Alabama and northwest Florida area."
Kohl said each fallen service member will be represented at the event by a gold star runners can wear during the race. Participants can also choose to create their own star.
"We will also have stars available for runners to write the name of a fallen service member that is someone significant to them," he said.
The event lands the first weekend after Gold Star Wives Day April 5, and serves as another way for the community to show its appreciation for the sacrifices made by fallen service members and their families.
However, local businesses can show their support for fallen heroes and survivors in other ways. According to Kohl, the Never Forgotten Card supports SOS and, in turn, the families of fallen heroes.
"The Never Forgotten Card is honored in some stores in the community and through the (Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation) programs on Fort Rucker," Kohl said. "The card provides a discount for the survivor, however, more than that it offers recognition and remembrance."
The Never Forgotten Card Program includes everyday benefits, providing an extra discount at on-post and off-post facilities. The Never Forgotten Card is provided in recognition of the sacrifices of survivors, and demonstrates the Army's commitment to providing quality programs and services to help enhance quality of life.
Businesses can support the Never Forgotten Card program by offering discounts to survivors. Businesses interested in supporting the program should visit http://www.ftruckermwr.com/never-forgotten-card/ to fill out a business registry application or call 255-9639 for more information. Applicants will be notified within five business days and issued a business window decal upon approval. The window decal can be displayed in the business as a symbol of their support and identifies the business as a supporter of the Never Forgotten Card and the SOS.
According Kohl, events like the upcoming 5K are excellent ways to honor Gold Star Families.
"Gold Star Families have a unique perspective on the price of freedom," Kohl said. "They always express gratitude for the outreach and ongoing connection to the Army family."
For more information on the run, call 255-2296.
Related Links:
USAACE and Fort Rucker on Twitter
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