HERroes in Deed sixth 5K run in memory of Lt. Col. Jaimie Leonard raises $10,000

On Saturday, June 8, HERroes in Deed sponsored its sixth memorial run in honor of Lt. Col. Jaimie Leonard, a graduate of St. Stephen's - St. Edward's Elementary School and Warwick Valley High School, class of 1992.
Leonard, who also graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, was one of two Army officers and one private security contractor killed in Sharana, Afghanistan, on June 8, 2013.
Leonard had also served in Bosnia and Iraq and was serving her second tour in Afghanistan on that fateful day. She became the highest ranking woman killed in action in United States history.
The sixth annual HERroes in Deed 5K run, with approximately 250 runners, was held at the Warwick Valley Middle School and raised $10,000 to help fund scholarships for students and support the military community.
Scholarships
This year HERoes in Deed donated two scholarships to Warwick Valley High School students Paige Kent and Ann Marie Persad.
The organization also gave grants to the United Way of Orange County and Boxes for Soldiers.
"We want to especially thank the Warwick Police Department , the Warwick Valley EMS and the Warwick Valley High School Crew Team for their assistance and support," said HERoes in Deed Board Treasurer Robert Bo Kennedy.
Top finishers
The top three finishers in the 5K HERoes run on Saturday were Thomas Gardinel, David Soto and Kyle Payne.
The top three in the 10K full course run were Marc Pfingst, Kristine Voght and Jessica Dovico.
Guest speaker Admiral John Kirby, who was also the winning runner in his age group, had served with Leonard during her time at the Pentagon.
After his retirement, Kirby became a military and diplomatic analyst for CNN.
Essential
For additional information, to register or become a sponsor visit: http://heroesindeed.org/ or email: lizharman@heroesindeed.org.
- Roger Gavan