Honor and Remember Run/Ruck supports families and first responders
The fifth annual Honor and Remember Run/Ruck hosted by OFS at Cool Springs will be held on August 9th.
The family-friendly 5K and 10K Trail & Ruck Run was created in honor of military veterans, their families, emergency personnel, and all who died on 9/11 and the wars following. Ruck Runners are encouraged to participate in two sets of 22 honor pushups/pullups to help bring awareness of the number of veterans who commit suicide every day.
Proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Huntingburg and Jasper Volunteer Fire Departments to support their efforts in keeping our communities safe and honoring those who have fallen. OFS will also present them with Honor and Sacrifice flags.
In addition to supporting the fire departments, OFS is sponsoring three Honor and Remember flags. These flags are presented to the families of fallen military members and honor the sacrifices of America’s military service members and their families.
Eric Evitts, a Marine veteran who served in Afghanistan, is a Customer Success Account Manager at OFS and has been involved with Honor and Remember since 2015. Evitts participates in the annual three-day 140-mile-plus Run for the Fallen, a fundraiser for the Honor and Remember organization. He has also had a hand in presenting several flags to local families, moments that he cherishes, as these families are honored for their loved one’s service.
“Some of these families have been waiting years for a flag sponsor,” he said. “OFS is giving these families the emotional support needed to ensure their loved ones are never forgotten.”
According to Evitts, there are currently 281 flag requests waiting for a sponsor.
“When a family receives a flag, it is a wave of emotions. You will see families hugging and crying, knowing that a special part of their loved one lives on and is never forgotten, and that is ultimately the mission,” he said. “We are always grateful for those who not only served, but for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
There will also be guest speakers at the event, including Gold Star Mother Sandy Terwiske, whose son, Lance Corporal Alec Terwiske, was killed in action in September 2012 by an improvised explosive device while serving in the Marines in Afghanistan.
Jennifer Evans from Winamac, Indiana, will also speak about her brother, Tyler, a Marine who took his own life after leaving active duty.
Participants have several options for taking part in the event. There is a 5k run/walk on paved paths as well as a 10k Ruck/Run that is more off-road than on. According to Evitts, the 5k is very accessible and stroller-friendly.
“We encourage anyone and everyone to come participate regardless of fitness level,” Evitts said.
If you are ready to run, walk or ruck to support the event, sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Velpen/HonorandRememberRun
