Run for the Warriors

OFFICIAL 8th Annual

RACE GUIDE

FOR THE

Run Warriors May 18, 2013 Jacksonville, NC

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A letter from THE Publisher Teamwork: one word that can mean so much in so many ways. As publisher of Landmark Military Media of North Carolina, civilian publisher of The Globe and RotoVue, I am extremely proud to say that our staff’s friendship with Hope for the Warriors® is now entering its sixth year. During this time, Hope for the Warriors® folks have helped us judge our Heroes at Home TM Military Spouse Awards. It is now my privilege and honor to help them provide you with this race guide for The Run For The Warriors®, which I hope you will find as informative and inspiring as I do.

The annual Run For The Warriors® is such a great way for everyone to participate and join the team supporting our wounded warriors. By being here today and walking, running, volunteering, and cheering you have become part of a great team. We couldn’t do it without you!

Thank you for your time and for sharing your own warrior spirit today. I also want to thank all the businesses who have supported this publication: thank you for stepping up and showing your support for this amazing event, you make eastern North Carolina such a great place to live and thrive.

Of course the biggest Thank You of all goes to all our courageous warriors: active duty, retired, veterans, reserves, Marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen, all are heroes and we are pleased to be able to show our appreciation today. We salute you, ladies and gentlemen. This run’s for you.

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Jim Connors Group Publisher Landmark Military Media of North Carolina

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FOR THE

Run Warriors May 18, 2013 Jacksonville, NC

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS® PRESIDENT/CEO ROBIN KELLEHER

PUBLISHER JIM CONNORS jim.connors@militarynews.com

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS® EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT TINA ATHERALL, LMSW

BUSINESS MANAGER RACHEL PICARD rachel.picard@militarynews.com

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS® PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR ANNE BARNWELL

ADVERTISING DESIGN HILLARY BRATTON hillary.bratton@militarynews.com

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS® MARKETING DIRECTOR JULIANNA JACOBSON

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR BOBBY STONE bstone@militarynews.com

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS® MARKETING COORDINATOR ANNA SEILER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ANNE BARNWELL, JESSIE HEATH

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS® EVENT COORDINATOR JORDAN HUFFMAN

EMILY KELLEY emily.kelley@militarynews.com TERESA MOORE teresa.moore@militarynews.com MELISSA STONE melissa.stone@militarynews.com

RUN FOR THE WARRIORS® DIRECTOR MONA SIMS

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

RUN FOR THE WARRIORS

Hope For The Warriors® is a civilian 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

More than 90% of all donations directly assist wounded service members, their families, and families of the fallen from each military branch. National Combined Federal Campaign, CFC #27800.

Hope For The Warriors® is not affiliated in any way with Wounded Warrior Project

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W

e have all seen them.

Whether in the news or on YouTube, we see the video of a man in uniform, returning home from combat. It is clear that the family member is unaware of what is about to happen. A son, daughter, wife, girlfriend, or parents—the response is the same. Confusion, astonishment, elation, relief, and, almost always, tears.

When a deployed service member returns home from combat, there is unmistakable joy.

Within our military community, we have experienced these emotions when our service member returns home with their unit. We gather with other families at Goettge Fieldhouse to greet the ones we love after so much time apart. Music fills the air, kids run and play, friends laugh and share stories.

Homecoming is a celebration of life and love within the family.

For some, homecoming is not a celebratory moment.

Instead, service members are reunited with their loved ones in a hospital room. The homecoming is unexpected and unplanned–a knock on the door or an unwanted phone call jars them into a new reality. No one wants to see a YouTube video of that.

In 2006, I was part of a group of Marine wives that held the very first Run For The Warriors® at Camp Lejeune. We chose Armed Forces Day to hold the race and our goal was to honor the wounded service members stationed aboard Camp Lejeune. The race would be their Homecoming—held on the very field that their Homecoming should have taken place.

It was a dreary day. The skies opened and unleashed heavy rains and cold, horrible winds. Yet the thousands that attended did not care. They clapped, cheered, cried, and celebrated their wounded heroes that morning. They celebrated Homecoming in the same manner that thousands of families have celebrated before, the way you see in those videos.

This year will be the 8th Annual Run For The Warriors®.

The race has since moved to a location off base, allowing the addition of a half marathon. We have also held the race in cities around the country and continue to grow this series— San Diego, Chicago, Washington D.C., New York, New Jersey, Texas and more. Each Run For The Warriors® is held for the exact same purpose—to connect military families to a community that cares, to honor their services and sacrifices, to celebrate that they have come home and to honor those that have not come home.

We hope that you will join us on May 18 at Jacksonville High School for this year’s Run For The Warriors®. The event will begin the same as always. We will connect, we will honor, and above all, we will celebrate.

Robin Kelleher, President and Co-founder of Hope For The Warriors®

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Hope For The Warriors® is to enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty.

Hope For The Warriors® is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.

CORE VALUES

Hope For The Warriors® understands the challenges, pride, and joy of being a military family. For today, tomorrow, and years to come, we will strive to meet the changing needs of service members and their families.

HISTORY

A group of military wives founded the organization in 2006. They stood together as they witnessed, firsthand, the effects of the war on service members and their families.

Since that time, Hope For The Warriors® has grown tremendously in the span of programs offered and the number of wounded and family members assisted.

While founded in North Carolina, the organization maintains offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Florida. Its representatives cover California, Texas, Illinois, and Wyoming, enabling us to maintain a nation-wide presence.

The leadership of the organization still remains in the dedicated hands of military wives. Together, our board of directors, staff, and volunteers work tirelessly to serve those who have sacrificed so much. The integrity of our organization is paramount and therefore our representatives are as honorable and noble as our mission and the people we serve.

Rick Leipold March 13, 1957 – March 12, 2013 Rick Leipold joined the Hope For The Warriors® staff in 2010 as an adaptive equipment specialist. Countless service members and veterans credit Rick for getting them on a handcycle or bike to use physical activity as part of their rehabilitation. An amputee from a motorcycle accident, Rick used his personal disability struggles to connect with our military members.

He lived a life filled with fun and adventure and traveled around the country to assist service members. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is missed by his family, friends, coworkers, and the many service members that he assisted.

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NO MAN LEFT BEHIND Hope For The Warriors® is proud to share our gift of the monument, titled No Man Left Behind, to the Marine Corps aboard Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton. The monument brings to life the iconic photo captured in Fallujah by acclaimed combat photographer Lucian Read. As battle raged, then 1stSgt Bradley Kasal, USMC, risked his life for the lives of his Marines. In turn, two of his Marines, Lance Corporals Chris Marquez and Dan Shaffer, risked their lives to carry him out of the building called “Hell House.”

The monument stands before the Warrior Hope and Care Centers at each base. They were created to honor those wounded in the line of duty and those who never returned home.

Representing the ultimate price of battle, the spirit of brotherhood, and dedication known by service members and their families, the photograph Hell House and now the monument No Man Left Behind are iconic illustrations to our service members.

ST

The monuments were created by John Phelps, artist, Vietnam veteran and Gold Star Father. John’s son, LCpl Chance Phelps, USMC, was killed in action in April 2004.

The HBO® movie,Taking Chance, chronicled the journey of the Marine escort who brought LCpl. Phelps home.

WARRIOR HOPE AND CARE CENTERS The Warrior Hope and Care Centers provide medical care, mental health counseling, professional training and education, physical conditioning and transition services for wounded, ill, and injured Marines and Sailors.

The concept for the Warrior Hope and Care Centers was conceived by Hope For The Warriors® leadership after attending the ribbon cutting for the Center for the Intrepid (CFI) in San Antonio, Texas in 2007. It was the goal of Hope For The Warriors® to provide Marines and Sailors based at Camp Lejeune the same quality

care as those at CFI. Architectural plans for the Warrior Hope and Care Center were drawn and Hope For The Warriors® donated those plans to the Marine Corps.

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Don’t be alarmed if you see a man running in a gas mask and weighted vest at the Jacksonville Run for the Warriors® half marathon.

That is CW3 Scott Sunday, USA (Ret.), on his way to running 50 marathons, in 50 states, before the age of 50.

Sunday is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 in the Army, and Bronze Star Recipient. He began his 50 marathons, in 50 states, before age 50 challenge to honor a fallen hero-Sunday’s friend, CW2 Scott Coulter, USA, who was killed in action in in 2004. But that was just the beginning.

“Along the way I have been inspired by many others; particularly a Gold Star

Wife and a Gold Star Mother.

As I continue the journey I am not only running to honor Scott, but also the husband and son [of the Gold Star Wife and Gold Star Mother] respectively,” Sunday explained.

The Gold Star wife is Veronica Rivera, who Sunday met during one of his running events. She was based at Camp Lejeune when her husband, Staff Sergeant Javier Ortiz-Rivera, was deployed to Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines. On November 16, 2010, he was killed by a roadside bomb.

Running to honor America’s heroes is a calling for Sunday, and his 50

marathon challenge is intimidating, even for seasoned runners.

Amazingly, Sunday had only run two marathons before embarking on this journey.

The first marathon he ran, Sunday had flipped a coin at

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then, Sunday has “upped the ante” But why the gas mask and the and he now promises to add two weighted vest? Sunday explained that his personal fundraising challenge was pounds to the vest for each additional $100 raised. Thanks to generous inspired as a way to raise funds and awareness for “the great work of Hope donations, it’s already up to a hefty 14 pounds and fast approaching 16.

For The Warriors®”. But as for the Sunday doesn’t wear the mask and extra gear, Sunday said, “Rather than vest when he trains for the run, but simply asking for donations I decided he does wear it would be when he more mean“Rather than simply asking for them does his daily ingful if I were donations I decided it would be P90X workto sacrifice on behalf of more meaningful if I were to outs, which is feat in itself. the warriors. sacrifice on behalf of the war- a Although the I am hoping riors. I am hoping that wearing Jacksonville that wearing the vest, and the vest, and adding weight as a Run for the adding weight fundraiser, will raise funds and Warriors® is not technically as a fundraisawareness to help the warriors part of his 50 er, will raise carry a lighter load.” marathons, funds and awareness to by raising funds and running in the mask and help the warriors carry a lighter load.” the vest, he will still be honoring Sunday’s original plan was to run heroes. He is well on his way to 50 the Run for the Warriors® halfmarathons; his 26th marathon (and marathon in an elevation mask and state) will be Delaware, the weekend 10 pound weighted vest if he reached before the Jacksonville Run for the his fundraising goal by March 1. That goal was reached and exceeded. Since Warriors®.

When asked how he would sum up his mission, he simply said, “To honor the hero, but let families know that their heroes’ memories are never forgotten.”

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Cpl. Jose Armenta, USMC (Ret.) had always wanted to learn how to sail. Jose was wounded in Afghanistan in August 2011 and is a double amputee. Many might have wondered if he could learn to sail.

Hope For The Warriors® however had no doubts.

In 2012, Hope For The Warriors® was proud to partner with Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS) and hold two sailing clinics for wounded service members. No sailing experience was required and the nature of injury did not matter. They were clear that regardless of the injury, each person could be taught how to sail.

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from BAADS as well as from Ronnie Simpson, wounded veteran.

Hope For The Warriors® met Ronnie in 2010 when they granted A Warrior’s Wish® to Ronnie, providing him the funding necessary to compete in his first sailing race. Ronnie completed a race that left San Francisco Bay and landed in Hawaii on July 4. His Wish had been granted and his dream became a reality.

Two years later, Ronnie turned to Hope For The Warriors® for assistance to complete the same race again. The race started on June 30. This date was so important because it was Ronnie’s Alive Day--the day he almost died in Iraq, eight years earlier.

Only this year on June 30, Ronnie was living his dream of being a sailor.

And so it is with this confidence and excitement that Ronnie led Jose and several other wounded service members to the water and into the boats. The clinics have been an amazing success and many of the participants have shared how therapeutic the sport has been for them--both physically and psychologically.

“Sailing provides me a freedom that is hard to find when you are disabled,” Jose said. “By sailing, I can compete with ablebodied people.”

Jose competed in his first race only a few weeks after he completed the sailing clinic last fall. BAADS loaned him a sail boat and on October 28, 2012, he completed the U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship in San Diego. He plans to continue his sailing.

Ronnie will also continue to sail and with his additional experience, has some amazing adventures planned for 2013. Ronnie and Hope For The Warriors® will also plan four clinics throughout the country so that other wounded service members gain the benefits of sailing. The first clinic will be held in San Francisco in April. On the east coast, a clinic is planned for Rhode Island later in the year; the remaining two clinics are still to be determined. The clinics are part of the Outdoor Adventures Program supported by Hope For The Warriors®.

To learn more about Hope For The Warriors®, including their programs, A Warrior’s Wish® and Outdoor Adventures, visit www.hopeforthewarriors.org.

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS l 2013

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BE CAREFUL WHO YOU INSPIRE

INSPIRATION IS CONTAGIOUS

P

aul and Sally Kelly have volunteered for Hope For The Warriors® since 2007. Their story of inspiration began in 2006, coincidentally, the year of the first Run For The Warriors®.

It begins with Paul’s niece Tracie, a graduate student at George Washington University. Paul and Tracie were having dinner when he was on a business trip to Washington, DC. “I think I can do that” Paul had always enjoyed the outdoors--hunting, hiking, backpacking, canoeing, swimming, and bicycling-until at the age of 22 when he broke his neck in a swimming pool and became a quadriplegic. In spite of his condition he maintained his fitness by pushing his wheelchair whenever he could. It is a difficult task with his level of paralysis, “Most quadriplegics at my level of injury will just use a power wheelchair,” Paul points out.

Then, at the age of 50, he and his niece looked out the window of the

14

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS l 2013

restaurant over the Potomac River and he pointed out the distance of a “walk” he and Sally had taken through the waterfront district of DC. Tracie was inspired and a few weeks later, announced that she had signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon.

That October, Paul sat at mile one of the marathon route, waiting to see his niece run past. He saw the first competitors of the race go past--the handcylists. That was his moment of inspiration. Under his breath he said, “I think I can do that!”

Handcycles required different muscles than wheelchairs; muscles Paul could use.

2008 Miles of Hope

As Paul began training on his handcycle, he searched for a cause to support. In the post 9/11 period, there was an idea budding in his mind, “...that somehow through our training and races, the heroes protecting our freedom could benefit from our work.” In March 2007, Paul learned about a race open to handcycles, the Run For The Warrior®. He shared with Sally, “Here’s our cause!”

Racing in the Run For The Warriors® made a lasting impression on Paul. Not only was it the first time he raced with other hancyclists, but he raced side-by-side with the wounded Marines. “Folks came up to me afterwards to thank me for my service. They assumed I was a veteran too,” Paul recalls. “I’m not a warrior.

I’m just a grateful beneficiary of the sacrifices of those brave professionals,” he corrected them.

“But it demonstrated to me the depth of the sense of gratitude that exists for our wounded service members.”

Paul set his training goal for the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon.

While training, he also began fundraising for Hope For The War-

riors®. Paul and Sally established a campaign they called 2008 Miles of Hope. Paul promised to raise $26,200 for Hope For The Warriors®; $1,000 for each mile in a marathon. He also pledged to cycle 2008 miles in training, races, and fundraising events.

A Torch of Hope

Through her affiliation with her service sorority, Beta Sigma Phi International, Sally began to spread the word about Hope For The Warriors®. In the annual convention of chapters from the two Carolinas, she shared, “We live in two of the most military-friendly states in the country.

These brave men and women are our neighbors, our friends and our family.”

Sally led efforts to establish Hope For The Warriors® as the beneficiary of service projects by chapters throughout the two states in a campaign she calls Carolinas’ Torch of Hope.

Between the efforts of the husband and wife team, donations began trickling in to Hope For The Warriors®, still a young organization at that time.

Sally and her sorority sisters organized fundraising events. Paul and Sally also wrote letters to friends, relatives, and businesses asking for donations. “I was overwhelmed and inspired at the outpouring of generosity we encountered,” Paul explained.

OFFICIAL

8th Annual

RACE GUIDE

FOR THE

Run Warriors May 18, 2013 Jacksonville, NC

SATURDAY, MAY 18  JACKSONVILLE, NC JACKSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1-Mile Walk/Run

Run For The Warriors® unites military and civilian community members, connecting and educating each on the importance of embracing their neighbors. The goal of each event is to establish a long term understanding and respect for the needs of local military families.

Each year, the number of races throughout the country has increased as has the number of participants. Distances vary but often include 10K, 5K, and 1-Mile Walk/Runs. Race is chip timed.

2013 Run For The Warriors® Locations and Upcoming Dates: • • • • • • • •

May 18  Jacksonville, NC June 9  New York, NY (Registration to open soon) July 4  New Bern, NC (Registration to open soon) August 18  Shelton, CT September 15  Secaucus, NJ September 22  Holmdel, NJ October 13  San Francisco, CA November 10 Lindenhurst, NY

8th Annual

Run For The Warriors® is a unique race dedicated to the men and women wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, their families, and families of the fallen. It is a celebration of their strength and resolve and a promise to continue restoring self, family, and hope. The Run For The Warriors® race series provides wounded service members encouragement and the opportunity to pursue the sport of running, walking, or cycling to assist in their physical and emotional rehabilitation.

FOR THE Warriors Run May 18, 2013 Jacksonville, NC

RACE DAY EVENT SCHEDULE 6:00 am 6:50 am 7:00 am 7:05 7:10 7:20 7:25 7:35 7:40 7:45

am am am am am am am

Same Day Registration and Packet Pick-Up Opens Opening Ceremony Registration and Packet Pick-Up Close Handcycles Half Marathon Start Half Marathon Start Handcycles 10K Start 10K Start Handcycles 5K Start 5K Start 1-Mile Walk/Run Start

PACKET PICK-UP SCHEDULE TEAM PACKET PICK-UP: Thursday, May 16 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Hope For The Warriors® Office: Camp Lejeune, Bldg 1340 (corner of Louis & Cedar) INDIVIDUAL PACKET PICK-UP: Friday, May 17 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. Marston Pavilion: Friday, May 17 from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Jacksonville High School: Saturday, May 18 from 6:00 am - 7:00 amJacksonville High School

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32 weeks

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS 5K JACKSONVILLE, NC

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START AT DRIVEWAY 1007 VERNON DR. RIGHT ON DORIS AVE. LEFT ON DECATUR RD. RIGHT ON CLIFTON RD. LEFT ON CHRISTINE AVE. RIGHT ON NORTHWOODS DR. RIGHT ON DAVID PL. RIGHT ON DECATUR RD. LEFT ON DORIS AVE. LEFT ON V ERNON DR. ENTER GATE AT JACKSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL STRAIGHT TO 2ND GATE AT TRACK LEFT DIRE CTLY ONTO TRACK COUNTERCLOCKWISE 3 4 LAP AROUND BACK SIDE OF TRACK FINISH ON TRACK AT GRANDSTAND/PRESS BOX

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Routes are subject to change, but all routes will be USATF Certified

START MILE 1 MILE 2 MILE 3 FINISH 5K

LATITUDE

APPROXIMATE LOCATION SEE MAP 707 CHRISTINE AVE. 1312 DECATUR ROAD ON TRACK SEE MAP

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LIGHT LIGHT POLE POLE JES89 JES89

ALL SIDES OF HWY 17 IN JACKSONVILLE

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8th Annual

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Run Warriors May 18, 2013 Jacksonville, NC

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FOR THE

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POINT POINT START START MILE MILE 11 MILE MILE 22 MILE MILE 33 MILE MILE 44 MILE MILE 55 MILE MILE 66 MILE MILE 77 MILE MILE 88 MILE MILE 99 MILE MILE 10 10 MILE MILE 11 11 MILE 12 MILE 12 MILE MILE 13 13

HALF MARATHON ROUTE START STARTIN IN PARKING PARKING LOT LOT AT AT JACKSONVILLE JACKSONVILLE HS HS TRACK TRACK STRAIGHT STRAIGHT THROUGH THROUGH GATE GATE TO TO VERNON VERNON DRIVE DRIVE LEFT LEFT ON ON DORIS DORIS AVE. AVE. RIGHT RIGHT ON ON CLYDE CLYDE DR. DR. LEFT LEFT ON ON VERNON VERNON DR. DR. LEFT LEFT ON ON BARN BARN ST. ST. RIGHT RIGHT ON ON JARMAN JARMAN ST. ST. RIGHT RIGHT ON ON MAPLE MAPLE ST. ST. RIGHT RIGHT ON ON DECATUR DECATUR RD. RD. RIGHT RIGHT ON ON SEMINOLE SEMINOLE TRAIL TRAIL LEFT LEFT ON ON MITCHELL MITCHELL RD. RD. LEFT LEFT ON ON BOSCO BOSCO DR. DR. (TURNS (TURNS INTO INTO BROOKVIEW BROOKVIEW DR.) DR.) LEFT LEFT ON ON DECATUR DECATUR RD. RD. LEFT ON SIOUX DR. LEFT ON SIOUX DR. LEFT LEFT ON ON GARDENVIEW GARDENVIEW DR. DR. (TURNS (TURNS INTO INTO ROYAL ROYAL BLUFF BLUFF RD.) RD.) RIGHT RIGHT ON ON GREY GREY BARN BARN RD. RD. LEFT LEFT ON ON HARVEST HARVEST DR. DR. LEFT LEFT ON ON PLANTERS PLANTERS LN. LN. (TURNS (TURNS INTO INTO NORTHWOODS NORTHWOODS DR.) DR.) LEFT LEFT ON ON SIOUX SIOUX DR. DR. RIGHT RIGHT ON ON HENDRICKS HENDRICKS AVE. AVE. LEFT LEFT ON ON NORTHWOODS NORTHWOODS DR. DR. LEFT LEFT ON ON FAWN FAWN TRAIL TRAIL RIGHT RIGHT ON ON DRAYTON DRAYTON HALL HALL LEFT LEFT ON ON IVERLEIGH IVERLEIGH LN. LN. RIGHT RIGHT ON ON BISHOPS BISHOPS GATE GATE LEFT LEFT ON ON PLANTATION PLANTATION BLVD. BLVD. RIGHT RIGHT ON ON GUM GUM BRANCH BRANCH RD. RD. RIGHT RIGHT ON ON WHITE WHITE OAK OAK ST. ST. LEFT LEFT ON ON DEWITT DEWITT ST. ST. RIGHT RIGHT ON ON ONSLOW ONSLOW DR. DR. RIGHT ON HENDERSON DR. RIGHT ON HENDERSON DR. RIGHT RIGHT ON ON RIVER RIVER ST. ST. RIGHT RIGHT ON ON DAVIS DAVIS ST. ST. LEFT LEFT ON ON DORIS DORIS AVE. AVE. RIGHT RIGHT ON ON VERNON VERNON DR. DR. ENTER ENTER GATE GATE AT AT JACKSONVILLE JACKSONVILLE HIGH HIGH SCHOOL SCHOOL STRAIGHT STRAIGHT TO TO 2ND 2ND GATE GATE AT AT TRACK TRACK LEFT LEFT DIRECTLY DIRECTLY ONTO ONTO TRACK TRACK COUNTERCLOCKWISE COUNTERCLOCKWISE 3/4 3/4 LAP LAP AROUND AROUND BACK BACK SIDE SIDE OF OF TRACK TRACK FINISH ON TRACK AT GRANDSTAND/PRESS FINISH ON TRACK AT GRANDSTAND/PRESS BOX BOX

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HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS 10K

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Proud to support the Run for the Warriors

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START IN PARKING LOT AT JACKSONVILL E HIGH SCHOOL TRACK STRAIGHT THROUGH GATE TO VERNON DR. RIGHT ON DORIS AVE. LEFT ON DECATUR RD. LEFT ON BOSCO DR. LEFT ON SIO UX DR. RIGHT ON HOUSTON RD. RIGHT ON MAPLE ST. RIGHT O N DECATUR RD. LEFT ON SIO UX DR. RIGHT ON NORTHWOODS DR. LEFT ON FAWN TRAIL RIGHT ON DRAYTON HALL RIGHT ON IVERLEIG H LN. RIGHT ON PLANTATION BLVD. RIGHT ON NORTHWOODS DR. LEFT ON DAVID PL. RIGHT O N DECATUR RD. LEFT ON DORIS AVE. LEFT ON VERNON DR. ENTER GATE AT JACKSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL STRAIGHT TO 2ND GATE AT T RACK LEFT DIRE CTLY ONTO TRACK COUNTERCLOCKWISE 3 4 LAP ARO UND BACK SIDE OF TRACK FINISH ON T RACK AT GRANDSTAND/PRESS BOX

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LIGHT POLE JES82

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JACKSONVILLE, NC

LIST OF POINTS POINT START MILE 1 MILE 2 MILE 3 MILE 4 MILE 5 MILE 6 FINISH 10K

LATITUDE SEE MAP 109 BOSCO DR. 705 MAPLE ST. 100 DRAYTON HALL 107 DAVID PL. SEE MAP

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8th Annual

Presented by

FOR THE

Run Warriors May 18, 2013 Jacksonville, NC

half Marathon, 10k, 5k, 1-Mile Walk/Run Please comPlete the following registration form to ParticiPate.

Registration is also available online at www.hopeforthewarriors.org/jacksonvillerun regular registration (April 1-May 15)

late registration (May 16-May 18)

half Marathon $60

half Marathon $60

half Marathon $65

10k, 5k, 1-Mile Walk/Run $20

10k, 5k, 1-Mile Walk/Run $25

10k, 5k, 1-Mile Walk/Run $30

early registration (prior to April 14, 2013)

Name ___________________________________ Status:

Active

Retired

N/A

Gender

M

Age __________

Address ____________________________________________ State __________ Circle one

Zip Code _________________

Half Marathon

T-Shirt Size (Circle One)

YS

10K

5K

YM

S

F

Date of Birth _________________

E-mail Address ________________________________________ City ________________________

County ___________________________

Phone _______________________________ 1-Mile Walk/Run M

L

XL

Are you participating as a wounded warrior?

Y

N

for your convenience, there are several oPtions for Payment.

CheCk Please make checks payable to hope For The Warriors速 and mail to address below: Check #_____________

CRediT CaRd Please complete the below information: Credit Card Type _____ Visa

_____ MasterCard

_____ AmEx

Billing Address _____________________________________ Phone Number __________________________ Credit Card Number ____________________

_____ Discover

City ____________________

State ________

Zip _____________

E-mail (Required) ___________________________________ Exp Date ______/_______

Name on Card __________________________________

Security Code (on back) _________

Signature_____________________________

Date _____/_____/____

Waiver *MUST BE SIGNED TO PARTICIPATE*

I know that running is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter or run this event unless I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decision of a race official relative to my ability to safely complete the run. I

assume all risks: other participants, the effects of weather, including high heat and/or humidity, the conditions of the road and traffic on the course, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Having read this waiver and knowing www.hopeforthewarriors.org these facts, and in consideration of your acceptance of my application, I, for myself and/or my child and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the event, and all organizers, directors, volunteers, and sponsors, as well as their representatives and successors, from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising out of my participation in this event even though that liability may arise out of negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons named in this waiver.

All fees are non-refundable. Furthermore, I consent to Hope For The Warriors速 use of my name, photographs, written accounts, video, or other recordings of me made during the event. I understand that these images may be used on flyers, brochures, displays, web pages, and their informational media.

Participants 18 and older must sign; if under 18, parent or guardian must sign.

Signature _____________________________________

Date ________________

Mail form to hope For The Warriors速 | Run For The Warriors速, PMB 48 | 1335 Suite e Western Blvd. | Jacksonville, NC 28546, include chosen method of payment or visit www.hopeforthewarriors.org/jacksonvillerun for online registration.

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS l 2013

21

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is proud to support the Run For The Warriors

The Marine Corps Marathon

In October 2008, Paul crossed the starting line of the Marine Corps Marathon, confident of his finish. At mile one, he looked up the hill toward the intersection of Wilson and Lynn where he had sat two years prior and said to himself, “ I KNOW I can do this!”

More than five hours later he came to the steepest hill in the race, the hill runners call “Iwo” at the Marine Corps War Memorial. It took him twenty minutes to ascend the hill and many of the spectators cheered through the tears in their eyes.

Although the marathon was a feat in itself, Paul and Sally were just getting started. Paul returned to the Marine Corps Marathon, completing in 2009, 2010, and 2012 and completed the New York City Marathon three years in a row. Sally had also started running and in 2011, finished the Marine Corps Marathon herself. Before Paul retired from work in December 2011, the couple organized a team of coworkers to run the Marine Corps Marathon in 2010 and 2011. They also rallied

coworkers to run the Run For The Warriors® each year.

Sally has continued her leadership within her service organization and led the Beta Sigma Phi International to continue their endowment to Hope For The Warriors® for another three years.

Moving Forward

The Kellys have raised more than $54,000 in donations to Hope For The Warriors®. In February, Paul completed the Myrtle Beach Marathon, number 61 on his list of marathon and half marathons. He describes his inspiration, “The men and women that benefit are deserving heroes. What’s more, over the years, we have grown

strong, lasting friendships with many of them.”

Look for the couple at the Marine Corps Marathon again this year. And the Air Force Marathon, the Detroit Marathon, and the Canton, OH, Marathon. But before all that, look for them right here in Jacksonville, NC, at the event that inspired them both; the Run For The Warriors®.

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8th Annual

FOR THE

Run Warriors May 18, 2013 Jacksonville, NC

2012 Race Coverage Story by Jessie Heath What if you could take something you enjoyed doing and use it to raise awareness and support for others? What if you could use your hobby as a means to promote a cause that helps thousands of people on a daily basis? What if you had the ability to motivate others and change your community?

Would you take it?

More than 2,000 people gathered at Cardinal Stadium behind Jacksonville High School Saturday to take part in the 7th annual Run for the Warriors one-mile fun run, 5K, 10K and half-marathon. The first race took place in 2006 as a way to welcome home wounded service members who don’t always

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receive the fanfare their brothers in arms do when they return from a deployment.

Over the past seven years, the Run for the Warriors has become a premier event in Onslow County. It is used as a fundraising tool to assist the Hope for the Warriors foundation in meeting the needs of those who have been directly injured while serving their country. Both service members and locals united to take part in the various races to honor the injured.

“A race like this is something that really brings together the base community and the local Jacksonville community,” said Lauren Welch, a volunteer with Hope for the Warriors.

“It’s turned into a really big event. We had almost 2,000 people pre-register for it, and we had a good mix of base, military families and local groups who wanted to show their support.”

The 2,000 pre-registered participants, along with a flood of same-day registrates, descended on Cardinal Stadium early Satur-

day morning to prepare for

the races. After the opening ceremonies, they were corralled into holding areas to await the start of their run. With so many people participating in four different races, start times were staggered to keep runners from accidentally taking the wrong route. The halfmarathon hand-cyclists led the way, followed closely by more than 300 distance runners.

“A half-marathon is always hard work but it’s awesome to come out to this,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Anderson, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, who was one of two hand cyclists to participate in the race.

“This event is full of great support and has a really big turnout. It’s a great job on behalf of Hope for the Warriors.

“The impact Hope for the Warriors and the Wounded Warrior Battalion has on base is huge, but it’s rare that you see such a show of support in communities,” added Anderson. “It’s an incredible feeling to see the support the Jacksonville community has for an event like this. To see such a large majority of people helping and supporting this event for Hope for the Warriors is really great.”

Scattered throughout the half-marathon route, water stands and rest areas were set up with plenty of volunteers to help meet the needs of the runners. While some runners blazed past the rest areas without daring to stop, others paused for a moment to take a drink and speak to the volunteers. The real treat, however, was listening to the stories of the participants after they crossed the finish line. Every runner, whether they participated in the half-marathon, the 10K, 5K or one-mile race, had a story to share of the events that had led them to Run for the Warriors. As they snacked on fruit and rehydrated, service members and community individuals mingled and talked with each other.

“I really wanted to get into running, recently, so I decided to give this a shot,” said Lance Cpl. Prentice Phillips, Marine Aircraft Group 26 ground supply. “This was my first half-marathon and I like that everybody can be involved in something like this. For service members, it gives us a chance to be part of something off base, which

can mean a lot. I saw parts of Jacksonville I didn’t even know existed today. Because of this run, I got to experience a part of the community I have never known about.”

The Run for the Warriors also challenged Phillips, who said he “had a good pace for most of it,” but had to work on the last mile-and-a-half, when he couldn’t see the finish line.

“I had to push myself to keep going,” Phillips admitted. “When I finally saw the finish line, it gave me renewed energy and I was excited to cross it.”

Sgt. Victoria Poland, School of Infantry – East, was driven to participate in the run by the idea of supporting wounded warriors and their families. She used the Run for the Warriors 10K as her inaugural race, challenging herself to build her mental stamina to complete the course.

“This is my first race, ever, and I wasn’t used to being out on my own,” Poland explained. “It was a challenge to keep going by myself, but I really liked it.”

Poland was introduced to the race by a friend, who asked her to compete alongside her. With a race time of 54 minutes, 30 seconds, Poland’s first race was a success and something she enjoyed doing with other members of the community.

“Things like this are good, particularly for people who aren’t aware about programs like this,” said Poland.

“It gets everyone involved and gives us all a chance to make new friends. I like that there is a good mix of military and civilians at this race. That really helps draw the community together for one cause.”

The overwhelming support for wounded warriors that the service members and their families felt at the race came from community individuals like Genia Lock-

lear-Webb, who competed in the 5K race. With family in the military and strong ties to the Jacksonville community, the Run for the Warriors event was a way for Locklear-Webb to give back to those who have given so much.

“I’ve been doing this run since it started,” Webb explained after receiving her third place medal for her age division in the 5K. “I do this race every year because I stand behind our wounded warriors and our service members every step of the way. I couldn’t think of a better opportunity to show support for our military.”

Unlike most races, the results didn’t matter as runners crossed the finish line.

All that mattered was the sense of pride and community that blanketed Cardinal Stadium as participants gave back to the service members who had given so much.

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PROUD TO SUPPORT THE RUN FOR THE WARRIORS

At East Carolina, we know that service to our country comes in many forms.

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HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS l 2013

27

Samantha Bradley is the spouse of a fallen Marine who had been stationed at the Marine Corps Base in Camp Lejeune. She was introduced to Hope For The Warriors® within hours of her husband being wounded in 2011.

Samantha was also one of the honorees from this year’s Got Heart, Give Hope® Gala. (www.gotheartgivehope.org) She shares her story to explain how Hope For The Warriors® has supported her during the days, months and years that have followed.

“On June 3, 2011, I received the dreadful phone call that turned a nightmare into reality. My husband, Sgt. Mark A. Bradley, a Marine Corps Scout Sniper, was serving his fifth deployment in Afghanistan and while conducting a mission with his Sniper Team, Mark struck an IED. The next couple of days we clung to the phone waiting for updates of Mark’s condition and waiting for the approval to be flown to Germany to be by his side.

Mark’s brother, also serving as a Scout Sniper in Afghanistan, was flown to be with Mark, and from there they would fly together to Germany. On the flight from Afghanistan to Germany, Mark was resuscitated twice. Mark’s parents and I were being flown to Germany but first being flown to Washington, DC for our passports.”

28 Hope for the warriors l 2013

“Waiting for us as we got off the plane in Washington, DC was Robin Kelleher with Hope For The Warriors®. To think back of that time when I first met Robin is a blur, but God led her pathway to ours, and she was more than an angel to us.

We arrived in Germany, only to learn that Mark’s condition was worse than what we had been informed of. With him being as strong hearted as he was, his condition improved enough for us to fly back to the United States on Friday June 10. That morning Mark’s parents and brother were flown to Bethesda, and shortly after Mark and I boarded our close to 15hour flight.”

“In the meantime, Hope For The Warriors® got my dad settled in a hotel in Bethesda. On June 16, 2011, Mark became a guardian angel at the gates of heaven.”

“In only a couple of days, Robin had become so close with our family, we asked her to be a part of Mark’s Purple Heart Ceremony. Robin was also with the family when Mark passed away and drove to North Carolina for his funeral.”

“Often, when someone passes away, people slowly drift back into their normal routines and move on. This was not the case with Hope For The Warriors®. Robin and her team continued to reach out to our family and remain just as close to us. The first event I attended was just a few months later.

Mark’s father, Jack Bradley, and I were in North Carolina for 9/11. At the event, I had the opportunity to meet amazing people and share our stories together. Many have become a second family to me. I also attended the Got Heart, Give Hope® Gala in 2012 and Scarlet & Gold Golf Tournament in 2012.”

“Just a few days before what would have been my three year anniversary, Hope For The Warriors® sent me, along with other spouses of wounded warriors, on a turkey hunt in Florida.

Hunting is a passion of mine, but this trip was beyond special. Mark and I were unable to take a Honeymoon after we married and our plan was to go on a guided hunt when he returned home from Afghanistan. I was determined to one day fulfill our dream in his memory. Hope For The Warriors® granted me that wish. All the spouses were successful with a turkey, except for myself. I was the only one who bagged two turkeys, and that meant one for me, and one for Mark!”

“Attending events and spending time with people who share similar stories is wonderful. But eventually, the numbness of my husband passing away finally started to wear off, I started on a spiral spin downwards. I tried to keep my feelings bottled up inside but that made things worse. I reached out to a different organization in an attempt to start counseling but did not receiving the help I needed.”

“I finally contacted Robin and explained to her the help that I desperately needed. In less than 24 hours, I was linked to the help I needed, and since then I have been in counseling.

This counseling has been the biggest help in restoring my life.”

“Hope For The Warriors® has become so much like a family to us.

On June 16, 2012, Robin and two of the wounded warriors joined mine and Mark’s family in Cuba NY, for a golf tournament to raise money for a scholarship in memory of Mark. Not only is each member of Hope For The Warriors® a gift from God for me personally, but the organization does so many amazing things to help wounded warriors and their families.

Being a part of the organization has given me so much hope and determination to share my story in an effort to inspire others with strength. I will never have the words to express my gratitude for all the things they have done. I love Hope For The Warriors® with all my heart.”

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