Huntingburg, IN - August 24, 2024 – On a beautiful Saturday morning, 141 runners gathered at Cool Springs in Velpen, Indiana to participate in the 4th Annual Honor and Remember 5K, 10K, and 13-Mile Ruck Run, an event that has become a cherished tradition in the community. Hosted by OFS, the run brought together veterans, active military, emergency personnel, and community members to honor the sacrifices of military heroes, especially those who lost their lives on 9/11 and in the wars that followed.
This year, participants took on various challenges, including the 5K and 10K trail runs, a grueling 13-mile Ruck Run, and a Kids Fun Run. Many runners also participated in two sets of 22 pushups and pullups during the Ruck Run, symbolizing the 22 veterans who tragically take their lives every day, a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made long after service ends.
Memorable Moments and Powerful Tributes
Returning runner Renee Nord shared her experience, reflecting on the emotional and physical journey through the course’s hills and rugged terrain. “The trail kind of teases you at the start because it’s all downhill,” Nord explained. “But when it gets tough with the uphill climb, it’s worth it for the cause.”
Nord, a 14-year military veteran herself, expressed her deep connection to the event. “I just have a heart for those who serve and give up parts of their lives, or even their life and body, for our country,” she said. Other participants echoed her sentiments.
Jacob Werksman and his friend Ryan Menke completed the 13-mile Ruck Run, with Menke sharing, “It makes you think about all those who sacrificed so much and can’t even be here today. It helps you push through the tough moments.”
Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall
A poignant addition to this year’s event was the presence of the Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall, stationed near the finish line. The wall serves as a powerful reminder of the service members who have died in combat or action since 9/11. The 28-foot traveling memorial wall honors 7,118 US military men and women who died while serving during the Global War on Terror. “Over four times that many veterans have taken their own life because of PTSD," Mid America Veterans Museum volunteer Jim Higgins said. "If you think about the number of people that this touches, the family members that are lost, and then the veterans, we lose, up to 22 veterans a day from suicide. The veterans need our help."
There are 50 gold stars on the wall and each one represents the families of the heroes and the sacrifice they made. “This wall is a tribute to every service member who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said race director Trish Neukam. “Crossing the finish line, we do it in honor of them.”
Proceeds from the event were donated to further the mission of the Honor and Remember organization, a non-profit dedicated to recognizing and paying tribute to America’s fallen service members and their families. The funds will also support the Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall, helping provide communities with a public space for reflection and remembrance. None of this would have been possible without the incredibly generous sponsorships from our community to support the Honor and Remember run and pay tribute to our fallen heroes and their families.
OFS thanks all the runners and sponsors for supporting veterans, active military, and emergency personnel at this year's event.
PLATINUM: Freedom Bank
GOLD: Dubois County Tire & Supply Cecil's Printing Branded by Woods Kempf Excavating
MILE MARKER: Kunkel Insurance Agency BHP Tax & Accounting Yard Goat Artisan Ales Cooper Contracting Schmutzler Agency Uebelhor & Sons Ella & Ivy Jasper Engines & Transmission Superior Ag Resources Baird State Farm-Debbie Allen Seng & Seng Uebelhor Oil Mulzer Crushed Stone Family Roots
HYDRATION & REFRESHMENT SPONSOR: Craig & Lange Finishing Touches Giesler Dental Tretter Physical Therapy Matrix Integration Firefly Boutique Jasper OBGYN Beth Carter Exquisite Bridal Weyer Electric Bethel Christian Church Jake's Auto Shop Voegerl Construction
OFS Press Contact: Aaron Estabrook - aestabrook@ofs.com
