( left to right ) SFC Dave Kelley , 1SG Jeff Gilley , SGM ( Ret ) Shawn Stafford , and MAJ Paolo Sica get ready to march to the start line for last year ’ s inaugural 15K Military March at Presque Isle State Park . These active duty Pennsylvania Army National Guard guys have teamed up with Kelly Whitney to raise money for local veterans .
It was during a nine-mile military march , carrying a 60-pound rucksack on her back in a training session with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard , that servicewoman Kelly Whitney came up with an idea : organize a community march on September 11 to benefit a veterans organization in Erie and to memorialize fallen heroes in the global war on terrorism and Ruck The Bay 15K was born .
A 2008 graduate of Fairview High School , Whitney developed a keen sense of giving back to the community at an early age .
“ I will have served seven years in the military this fall as a heavy vehicle driver and just want to give something back ,” shares Whitney . “ I thought this would give friends , families and service personnel a chance to get together for a great cause to support our veterans in Erie and recognize fallen heroes who have faithfully served our country in the global war on terrorism since September 11 , 2001 .”
This year ’ s proceeds will go to Liberty House , overseen by Erie United Methodist Alliance .
“ I think Ruck The Bay selected Liberty House because we are able to use this money directly for our veterans since our yearly financial needs are already budgeted ,” explains Stephen Durant , program supervisor at Liberty House .
Established in 2001 , Liberty House has served 300 to 500 homeless veterans as a transitional living center that is in direct collaboration with the VA , which provides medical and mental health services ; Liberty House provides life skills and shelter .
“ Veterans can stay up to two years ,” says Durant . “ We confront whatever issues have kept them homeless , whether it ’ s substance abuse or unemployment or mental health so when they leave here , they are in a better state and ready to live independently in society .”
The second annual Ruck The Bay 15K military march will begin at 2 p . m ., Sunday , Sept . 11 , at Vista 3 parking lot ( the 3rd lot along the bay ). The course passes Perry Monument , and then finishes along the lakeside at Stull Interpretive Center . The cost is $ 35 / individual or $ 25 / individual for teams of four or more .
“ A ruck march in the military is a training event where soldiers march carrying a rucksack filled with gear ,” Whitney says . “ We are encouraging participants at this year ’ s event to fill a backpack with essentials , such as toiletries , washcloths , or small clothing articles to donate to the residents at Liberty House .”
Whitney laughs as she recalls the Navy participants last year for whom the 15K march was just too slow .
“ They ran the whole course ! And they did it carrying the Navy flag and an American flag .”
Michael Cortes , Senior Vice Commander of American Legion Post 773 in Millcreek , is a proud sponsor of Whitney ’ s event .
“ The American Legion is a service organization for veterans , and what better way to recognize their service to our country than a military march on September 11 that celebrates our military men and women ,” Cortes says .
Not only are members of the Millcreek American Legion volunteering at the march but also supplying Whitney with fallen heroes ’ names and the memorials dedicated to them . At each kilometer distance mark along the 9.3-mile course , a fallen hero will be memorialized for service to our country in the global war on terrorism . “ Each memorial consists of a battle cross displaying boots , rifle , helmet , dog tags , and information about the fallen hero ,” Whitney explains .
Cortes became involved with the American Legion six years ago because of its reputation as a veterans service organization locally and nationally through legislation and local programs designed to benefit our service personnel .
“ I ’ m so proud to be an American and to have served my country ,” Cortes says . A six-year veteran of the Marine Corps who served from 1987 to 1993 , Cortes has a well-earned understanding of a veteran ’ s psychological mindset . “ Our American Legion in Millcreek is involved comprehensively in the mission of the American Legion in the community , but we are especially committed to veterans affairs and the heroes to hometown duty .”
“ We provide a welcome for veterans returning home by being at the airport and escorting them home ,” explains Cortes . “ A contingent of American Legion Riders will form a cavalcade of motorcycles to lead the veteran home as a public display of recognition .”
Sometimes the welcome back to Erie from the Pittsburgh airport involves many local legions that provide a motorcycle escort , in shifts , all along I-79 .
“ This is a tremendous way for all of us to show our respect to those who have given so much for our freedom ,” Cortes says .
He smiles as he recalls those special “ welcome homes ” that were surprises . “ We gather at the airport and , when the vet walks through the gate , we stand in applause then each of us , in turn , shakes the vet ’ s hand and offers our thanks for his or her service to our great country . It ’ s a truly moving experience .”
He also remembers the incredible sight of American flags draped across overpasses on I-79 south of Erie as a special salute to returning vets . “ Local firefighters get in on the action for these ,” Cortes laughs . “ We welcome their skill in getting this patriotic display in place .”
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West County | Fall 2016 | icmags . com 9