The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of Coast Guard members and their families, announced this year’s Run to Remember campaign and its Fallen Heroes Fund commemorative T-shirt campaign.
The Coast Guard Foundation’s Run to Remember is a worldwide movement that honors United States Coast Guard heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. Over the last several years, thousands of people have participated in road races, memorial walks and other types of fitness events across the globe. Since its inception in 2011, Run to Remember has raised more than $165,000 to support the men and women of the Coast Guard and their families. Most importantly, these events honor the brave individuals who have given their lives so others may live.
Commemorative t-shirts bearing the names of fallen Coast Guard members are available for $25 each. Proceeds go toward the Fallen Heroes Fund, which provides emergency assistance and helps pay for the immediate and ongoing needs of the families, including the cost of college for the children of those who have died in the line of duty.
Run to Remember events are scheduled for dates and locations across the country. One of the events, the annual “Jake’s Run to Remember”, has gathered over 1,000 supporters and raised over $50,000. The 2016 “Jake’s Run to Remember” is planned for May 22 in Norristown, Pennsylvania to honor Jason “Jake’ Moletzsky, one of seven Coast Guard members who died in October 2009 following the collision of his Coast Guard C-130 airplane with a Marine Corps helicopter. Two Marines were lost in the accident as well. Proceeds from the event benefit the Coast Guard Foundation's Fallen Heroes Fund and the Jason S. Moletzsky Memorial Scholarship Fund, awarded to a high school senior at Norristown Area High School with plans to enter the military following graduation.
“The brave men and women of the Coast Guard never let the risks of their duty deter them from their ongoing mission and when these selfless individuals fall, it is devastating to those they leave behind,” said Anne Brengle, Coast Guard Foundation president. “The Run to Remember is more than a fundraiser. It is a global, moving memorial to those that have paid the ultimate price.”
