University News

Save the Date: 2015 WIU Fallen Soldiers 5k

June 18, 2015

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MACOMB, IL -- "Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices." -- President Harry S. Truman.

Western Illinois University will pay tribute to members of the armed forces, along with two of its own fallen soldiers, Saturday, Oct. 10 as part of the fourth annual Fallen Soldiers 5k Run/Walk. Since 2012, the WIU Fallen Soldiers 5k Run/Walk has raised more than $46,000 for the WIU Fallen Soldier's Scholarship Fund, which honors two alumni who were killed in the line of duty. Last year, nearly 500 walkers and runners joined forces to honor Capt. Derek Dobogai and Lt. Col. Robert Baldwin.

Dobogai, who graduated from Western in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in law enforcement and justice administration, was among the 14 U.S. soldiers aboard a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed Aug. 22, 2007, in northern Iraq.

Baldwin, who earned a bachelor's degree in industrial technology from WIU in 1993, was killed Sept. 21, 2010, when his Blackhawk UH-60 helicopter carrying Navy SEALs crashed during combat operations in the Zabul province of Afghanistan.

Race registration is $25 (until Sept. 28), which includes a technical t-shirt and a finisher medal. After Sept. 28, registration is $35 (participants are not guaranteed a t-shirt or medal). Race sponsorships are also available. Sponsorship levels include: race route sponsor, $250; mile-marker sponsor, $1,000; and finish line sponsor, $2,500.

For more information, to register and/or to become a race sponsor, visit wiu.edu/vpas/wellness/event.php?id=563, or email fallensoldiers5k@wiu.edu.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing