5K Run salutes, benefits military

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Ray Sarracino
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
CORAL GABLES, Fla. --  Blue skies and perfect weather greeted runners participating in the 5th Annual Tribute to the Military 5K Fun Run Sunday, February 25. All branches of the service were represented in the run which drew more than 770 runners and their supporters.

Race organizers estimate the crowd at more than three times the number of last year's event. They attribute the increase to the new location at Merrick Park in Coral Gables.

Among the attendees and participants were several large displays set up by military recruiters, including the U.S. Navy's simulator, a rock wall set up by U.S. Army recruiters and a display by members of the Army's Special Forces.

Among the participants were the 93rd Fighter Squadron pilot, Lt. Col. Joe "Corky" Matchette, who ran with his family, and 482nd Maintenance Group weapons loader, Tech. Sgt. Adolfo Gonzalez, who also ran with a family member.

Lt. Col. Matchette ran with his wife, Gen, while pushing son, Jamie, and daughters, Michelle and Josie, in strollers.

"It was a nice run. We did pretty well for pushing two strollers," he said.

They finished the 3.2-mile run as a family in 29 minutes, 12 seconds. Their daughter Michelle, who turned seven the day before, is training for the run next year. However, she seemed content to have been a passenger for this year's race.

"It's a great race," Tech. Sgt. Gonzalez said. "I always like to come out and support the troops."

His wife Cristina shared the sentiment. "This was an accomplishment," she said.

The run was sponsored by The Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), The Hearing Research Institute and was conducted by Footworks Miami.

Footworks Miami partner Laurie Huseby was at the finish line to announce times and support the runners.

"It's a good way to give a little bit back to the troops," she said.

"Here in South Florida you get a lot of races with 200 to 250 participants. To get over 600 is a really big deal," her husband and business partner, Hans Huseby, added.

Proceeds from the event will be distributed to supporting families of deployed military personnel, as well as the AUSA Gulf Stream Chapter, Operation Brave Kids, and family support groups and services.

Despite the success of this year's event, many participants said they were looking forward to next year's event.

"It's really nice of the community. I think it's important that military people participate. We had a really good turnout this year. Our goal next year is 5,000 [runners]," said Command Sergeant Major Michael Balch of U.S. Southern Command in Miami.