April 20 brought the Honoring Our Heroes Marathon gala to the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. Board members, veterans, volunteers, and representatives from various veterans’ organizations attended the event to enjoy the provided meal and to celebrate the work done by Honoring our Heroes, which distributed $22,000 in donations to local veteran’s groups during the event.
Every year, the organization holds a marathon that runs from Salem to Rolla to celebrate veterans and to raise money for veteran-centered charities.
Last year, hundreds of participants ran the course from Salem to Rolla, passing by dozens of signs honoring veterans. Over 200 US flags lined the course from Salem to Rolla, courtesy of Missouri House Representatives Ron Copeland, Bennie Cook, Tara Peters, Don Mayhew, Bill Hardwick and Senator Justin Brown.
The organization is manned entirely by volunteers and is a 501c non-profit organization. Race organizers say last year’s marathon had participants from 28 states, and that Honoring Our Heroes had raised almost $130,000 for local veterans so far.
After showing photos from last year’s marathon, Jim Steiner, the event’s Master of Ceremonies, announced the Founder’s Award, named for the founder of the organization, Bob Gravley. The winner this year is US Foods.
“This incredibly generous company provided all the food for our pre-race pasta party for seven years, feeding hundreds the evening before our race,” said Steiner. “They provided all the bananas for hungry runners and walkers on the course. In addition, they have paid registration for their employees to take part in the marathon themselves at no cost, boosting employee wellness and morale. We sincerely thank US Foods for their amazing support and generosity, and commitment to employee health and wellness.”
This year, organizers also presented a Bob Gravley award to race organizer Marylin Sweitzer, in recognition of her hard work for the marathon. Sweitzer was given a card and a personal gift.
Each year, volunteers line the course, providing water, snacks and support to runners. In recognition of their contributions, water station awards were given at the gala.
The Best of the Best award was given to the American Legion Unit 99 Auxiliary, a group that has been a part of HEROES since the marathon began.
For the “Best Music” category, awards went to Missouri S & T Student Veteran Association and the Sonlight Riders Christian Motorcycle Association, as well as the American Volunteers.
The Runner’s Choice award was given to Rolla Boy Scout Troop 85, and the Rolla High School Key Club.
Organizers then began distributing funds to various local groups that benefit veterans.
VFW representatives from Salem, Rolla, Dixon and St. Robert came forward to receive a donation made to the VFW Poppy Fund, also known as the Veteran’s Assistance Fund, which is used to help veterans with utility bills, transportation, and more.
A donation was made to the Assistance League for the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James. Event organizers said the donation would go toward helping veterans living at the home. Representatives from the Assistance League told the crowd that the donation would specifically be used to maintain the soda fountains at the home, so veterans living there could have refreshments.
A donation was made to the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) Chapter 49 of Waynesville. The organization provides transportation for Pulaski County veterans, taking them to their medical appointments at Columbia Veteran’s Medical Center. Event organizers said many veterans would have no way to get to their appointments without their local DAV chapter.
A donation was made to the Warrior In Need fund, maintained by the Association of the United States Army AUSA Mid Missouri Chapter in St. Robert. The fund distributes funds to soldiers in crisis who need immediate help. James Breckinridge, Vice President of the chapter, accepted the donation.
“Our AUSA mid-Missouri chapter loves every year to participate in this event, because we know we’re going to get back something to help our soldiers in need,” said Breckinridge. “Thank you very much, and God bless you.”
The next donation went to the Army Emergency Relief (AER) fund at Fort Leonard Wood. The fund helps soldiers that find themselves in financial need.
Missouri Patriot Paws of Rolla received the next donation. The organization helps train rescue dogs for veterans and first responders. Patriot Paws has 79 dogs with those in need.
Donations also went to the Dent County Veteran’s Emergency Fund, as well as Mission 22, a suicide prevention organization.
In total, $22,500 was distributed to veteran’s charities during the gala.
James Breckinridge then took the floor to kick off the 2023 HEROES events.
“I’m excited. Excited to kick off this year’s 2023 Honoring Our Heroes Marathon. When I first ran into Marylin (Sweitzer) in 2019, I was the post installation Sgt. Major. We immediately became friends, and that year we put forth a great effort,” said Breckinridge. “The runner numbers doubled that year because of our activity, going out into the community to get those folks to know about the run, to get them here.”
Breckinridge retired from the military and chose St. Robert as his home. He said he fell in love with the area, and the people, who he said truly care for one another.
“It’s going to be an amazing run; with the live streaming, we’re going to have the expo and pasta party right here, and so many other things; it’s going to be a fantastic pasta night to kick off our run the next day. Let’s pray and hope that the weather will be a little bit warmer this year. My bones are getting old, and don’t want to be running in the cold anymore. But we really appreciate all of you for your support,” said Breckinridge. “Every little bit helps, and we appreciate you. For a great 2023, let me hear everybody say ‘Oorah’!”
