5K
Run for Heroes
by Morgan Anderson
On Saturday, May 9th, 2015, over 250 Mainers joined
The Summit Project in Presque Isle, ME to honor eight of
Maine’s bravest at the Run for Heroes 5K. The Summit
Project, a nationally recognized, Maine based, 501(c)3
service organization, is a living memorial that pays tribute
to the fallen service members from Maine who have died
in the line of duty since September 11, 2001. The Summit
Project partnered with Competitor Me of Presque Isle, ME
to create an event that Northern Maine residents of all ages
could attend and learn about The Summit Project’s mission
to honor post-9/11 fallen heroes from Maine.
meeting:
SGT Blair Emery of Lee, ME
SPC Dustin Harris of Patten, ME
SFC Aaron Henderson of Houlton, ME
MSG Robert Horrigan of Limestone, ME
SGT Joel House of Lee, ME
CPL Dustin J. Libby of Presque Isle, ME
SGT 1st Class Jonathan Lowery of Houlton, ME
1st Lt James Zimmerman of Smyrna, ME
Six of these brave men were represented by stones from The
The day began with a one-mile Kids Fun Run where Summit Project, and two were represented by bibs carrying
children from ages 2-15 were able to learn about these their names. Aroostook County residents Julian Szabo,
soldiers, participate in a kids’ race, and then receive medals Heather Fullen, Barb Lovely, Don Eno, Danielle Lombard,
at the end for participating. One of the runners was a Gold and Chris Robinson carried these soldiers’ stories. All eight
Star Family member, and he was so proud to be able to run of these soldiers were learned about, carried through the
for his uncle – one of the soldiers honored that day. Many 5K course, and then had their story shared at the finish line
kids were part of the Mars Hill “After the Bell” program with everyone.
coordinated by Jamie Guerrette who also ensured the
children understood why they were running – to honor our The stones were carried along Presque Isle’s bike path to
fallen heroes. They posed pre-race with a banner that read North Street – where both the Caribou and Presque Isle Fire
“Real Heroes don’t wear capes, they wear dog tags!” There Departments teamed up to raise a flag over North Street
were many people there to cheer on the kids, and there was suspended between their ladder trucks. The stones then
even an appearance by Focus the Clown (a veteran of the made their way down Main Street towards the bike path on
U.S. Navy himself ) who took a break between shows with Chapman Street. Presque Isle Police Officer Kevin Reed
the Shriners to show support for the kids.
assisted in organizing law enforcement officers from Presque
Isle Police Department, Caribou Police Department, Maine
At the pre-race meeting, there was time made to talk about State Police, Aroostook County Sheriff Department and
The Summit Project’s mission and share information with Maine Forestry Service saluting the soldiers as they passed
all of those in attendance on how they may get involved through. The Maine Forestry Service also brought their
to support The Summit Project. Conveying this message helicopter for a fly over at Riverside Park. Many of the
made the event so much more than just a 5K. Each of runners and volunteers at Saturday’s events were either
the heroes being honored were named during this pre-race Active Duty or Veterans themselves.
SUMMER 2015
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