During the Oct. 24 meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen, Mayor Greg Parker took time to recognize an important organization within the community.
Honoring Our Heroes Marathon, since its inaugural run in 2016, has raised nearly $100,000 for local veteran’s causes across Dent, Phelps, and Pulaski counties. The marathon, which runs from Salem to Rolla, benefits numerous veteran’s funds and other nonprofits across the area.
Parker read off a long list of charities, funds, and nonprofits that Honoring Our Heroes benefits. The main entities which benefit from Honoring Our Heroes’ fundraising efforts include:
• The Mid-Missouri Chapter of the Association of the United States Army’s Warrior In Need Fund. This fund supports the army’s mission, assisting soldiers at Fort Leonard Wood in times of personal crisis.
• Dent County Veteran’s Relief Fund, which is managed by American Legion Post 99 in Salem, and is available for local veterans in times of need, providing assistance with housing, transportation, or utility bills.
• VFW Veteran Assistance Fund (A.K.A. The Poppy Fund), managed by local VFW posts across multiple counties, which helps veterans who need help with things like emergency lodging, food, disability ramps, and other needs.
Other entities which Honoring Our Heroes donates to include the Woody Williams Foundation, which honors Gold Star Families, Missouri Patriot Paws of Rolla, which joins veterans with therapy dogs, the American Volunteers, who help veterans needing home repairs, the Army Emergency Relief Fund (AER) of Fort Leonard Wood, Veteran’s Memorial Park in Rolla, and more.
Present at the aldermanic meeting, and representing Honoring Our Heroes, were Marylin Sweitzer, Richard LaBrash, and Becky Steiner.
“I’d like to present a proclamation for Honoring Our Heroes Marathon Day,” said Parker. “Thank you, guys.”
Parker presented the proclamation, which he later said was in recognition of the organization and the marathon event they hold every November.
“We don’t take enough time to recognize our veterans,” said Parker after the presentation of the proclamation. “We take our freedom for granted, and they’re the reason why we have it. It’s nice to see an organization […] that supports [veterans] in need.”
Parker also thanked Chairman of the Board of Aldermen Shawn Bolerjack for his role in the organization.
The marathon will be held Sunday, Nov. 18, and will start at the Dent County Commons at 7:00 a.m., where runners will set out toward Rolla. Signup information can be found at www.heroesmarathon.com.
