NJROTC color guard presenting the colors before the ’til Valhalla 5k run. Courtesy Photo
’til Valhalla participants get started. Courtesy Photo
From left, Cadet Miera, Cadet Crawford, Cadet H. Kim, Cadet Hornberger and Cadet Parry-Jones stand in front of the til’ Valhalla banner showing their support. Courtesy Photo
By C/ENS Alana Hinojosa
Public Affairs Officer
Los Alamos NJROTC
Every day 22 Veterans commit suicide. In order to bring awareness to this important issue, last year Los Alamos NJROTC ran a combined 22 miles to let our Veterans know their lives are important.
This year Topper Company wanted to make a bigger impact by partnering with a charity that focused on preventing Veteran suicide and hosting the til’ Valhalla 5k and Fun Run. One Hundred percent of the proceeds from the Sept. 16 event at Sullivan Field went to Mission 22, an organization that is committed to “providing extensive, personalized support and resources to help Veterans and their families thrive.”
“On behalf of Mission 22, I would like to thank the Los Alamos High School NJROTC and the Los Alamos community for their support,” Mission 22 Ambassador Jeff Brown said. “The ’til Valhalla 5k and Fun Run will benefit Mission 22’s various programs supporting active service members, Veterans, and their family members that are provided at no cost to them. Our mission eliminates the wait times often experienced by Veterans seeking treatment, and provides help when they need it most. If you want to learn more about how you can help our veterans or are a Veteran that may benefit from our programs, please check out Mission22.com.”
The 5k route began at Sullivan Field and ran down past the ice rink and back, symbolically replicating the trials and hardships that Veterans face. Over 100 runners and walkers from around the area participated and helped raise $7,500. Topper Company also offered NJROTC units across the nation the opportunity to participate in a virtual 5k, which contributed almost $1,100.
Participants and supporters raved about the event.
“The swag bags are so fancy! The run was good, the course was a nice challenge. It’s a great cause: Veterans fought for our country and we get to take care of them when they get home,” 5k participant Benigna Sanchez said.
Army Staff Sergeant Inirio said, “I love the motivation that the JROTC gave, I think it’s really great to see so many young Americans support and take pride in the community. It was an honor to see!”
Topper Company would like to thank our booster club for all of the help and support making this event happen.
Lastly, we would like to thank our numerous sponsors and supporters, without whom this event would not have been possible. Please stop by and thank them!
Snowden Law Firm
Los Alamos National Laboratory
El Parasol
Los Alamos County
United States Army
ABC Cabinetry
United States Coast Guard
Los Alamos Schools Credit Union
Elks Lodge
Los Alamos Samizdat Bookstore and Tea House
Ace Hardware
Flowers by Gillian
Los Alamos Home Improvement
Farmers Insurance
Alanatis Bohlen Management
Boese Brew Company
The Maupin Group
