Run As One event in Harrison brings light to veteran struggles
Drew Warner of Kittanning had two deployments in Iraq during his eight-year Army career. But when he returned home in 2011 to the Alle-Kiski Valley, he struggled.
“A lot of combat vets have trouble meshing back into society,” said Warner, 34, who was with the 11B Infantry. “I had two good friends that served that I kept in touch with, and they both committed suicide.”
Seeking a veterans support group, Warner joined Team Red, White and Blue (Team RWB), a national organization that helps vets connect with their communities through physical and social activities.
He is gearing up with weekly running sessions to participate in Saturday's fifth annual Run As One event in Harrison.
Run As One is a worldwide event coordinated by three veterans service groups, The Mission Continues, Team Rubicon and Team Red, White and Blue. Local coordinator Kate Bielak, charter captain of the Western Pennsylvania Team RWB, said she is pleased to bring this community run back to Harrison for the third year in a row.
The event, one of six in Pennsylvania, is open to all.
The event is held in honor of Marine Corps veteran Cpl. Clay Hunt, who took his own life after helping form Team Rubicon. He was an ardent supporter in the fight against veteran suicides.
“This event brings awareness to veterans and their families that they are not alone, never alone,” Bielak said. “We want our veterans out there and in the community to know that veterans service organizations exist to help them. We are here for them.”
A Harrison resident, Bielak served five years in the Army; she is board secretary of the national Team Red, White and Blue board of directors, which is based in Tampa, Fla. Her father, retired Col. James Nemec, started the local chapter.
Run As One will start at 9 a.m. in front of Lamparski Orthodontics along Broadview Boulevard. Patriotic songs will be played, American flags will be handed out, and a brief opening ceremony will take place, featuring a 22 pushup salute.
“The pushups signify the 22 veterans a day that commit suicide,” Bielak said.
Then participants are welcome to walk, run or bike the 1 mile down and back from Lamparski's to Maddio's Pizza, Broadview Boulevard at Morgan Street.
Participants can run at their own pace, but the message of “Running As One” is unity, Bielak said.
“We have a very strong and patriotic community here,” she said. “I love hosting events here in the Allegheny Valley area and Highlands School District because this area always comes together to support veteran's causes.”
Leah Shaner of Springdale joined Team RWB last year.
“I have many friends and family members who have served in the armed forces or are first responders. I deeply admire the bravery of the men and women who serve in these roles. This is my way of giving back,” Shaner said.
“Our goal for the Run As One event is to work together to raise awareness for our events for our veterans with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and encourage them to get involved in social and physical events.”
Retired 13-year Marine Corps veteran Jay Rodriguez of Brackenridge joins Run As One for a third time.
“An injury resulted in my discharge,” said Rodriguez, 42, who served eight months in Iraq. “I was depressed for two to three years. But I did have the support of my wife's family here locally, and in joining Team RWB, I found that I wasn't alone.”
Rodriguez said he had two friends commit suicide after deployments.
His message to veterans returning stateside?
“I tell them to go register at the Veterans Administration, get all the information, and that we won't let them be,” Rodriguez said.
Bielak encourages the community to show up Saturday to support veterans.
“We will have plenty of flags, all are welcome, and this is a family-friendly event,” she said.
Joyce Hanz is a freelance writer.
