University News

Save the Date: 2016 WIU Fallen Soldiers 5k Oct. 22

July 12, 2016

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MACOMB, IL -- "Each of these heroes stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die, that freedom might live and grow and increase in its blessings." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Western Illinois University will pay tribute to members of the armed forces, along with two of its own fallen soldiers, Capt. Derek Dobogai and Lt. Col. Robert Baldwin, Saturday, Oct. 22 as part of the fifth annual Fallen Soldiers 5k Run/Walk. Since 2011, the WIU Fallen Soldiers 5k Run/Walk has raised more than $64,000 for the WIU Fallen Soldiers' Scholarship Fund, which honors the two alumni who were killed in the line of duty. Last year's event set a new record with close to 600 participants (595) registering, and making it the largest race in McDonough County.

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 international troops crashed during combat operations in the Zabul province of Afghanistan.

Race registration is $25 (until Oct. 3), which includes a technical t-shirt and a finisher medal. After Oct. 3 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