University News

Register Now for WIU Fallen Soldiers 5k

August 31, 2015

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MACOMB, IL -- Runners and walkers of all levels and ages are invited to take part in Western Illinois University's fourth Fallen Soldiers 5k Run/Walk Saturday, Oct. 10 at the WIU-Macomb campus.

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 participants joined together to honor Capt. Derek Dobogai and Lt. Col. Robert Baldwin.

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). For those who cannot participate, there is a "virtual race" option available for $25 (and $35 after Sept. 28), plus $5.95 shipping/handling for t-shirt and medal.

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 a Blackhawk UH-60 helicopter carrying Navy SEALs crashed during combat operations in the Zabul province of Afghanistan.

"This is an incredible opportunity to not only raise funds for this most worthwhile scholarship, but to honor the legacy of two outstanding alumni and all veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice serving their country," said Brad Bainter, vice president of advancement and public service and executive director of the WIU Foundation.

Spring 2015 Fallen Soldier Scholarship recipients: Lukas Smith of Macomb, and Tim Houzenga of Morrison, IL. Fall 2015 recipients: Garrett Rogers of Lindenhurst, IL, and Michael Scherer of Geneseo, IL.

For more information, to register and/or to become a race sponsor (Levels include: race route sponsor, $250; mile-marker sponsor, $1,000; and finish line sponsor, $2,500), visit wiu.edu/fallensoldiers or email fallensoldiers5k@wiu.edu.

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