LAPS News:
The Los Alamos High School NJROTC will host the 3rd annual ‘Til Valhalla 5K and Fun Run starting at 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 13 at Sullivan Field. Last year’s run raised more than $7,800 to support Mission 22, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing veteran suicide and promoting veteran mental health.
“In 2022, Aron Ayers and I wanted to find a way to raise awareness about veteran suicide—specifically the heartbreaking fact that approximately 22 veterans take their own lives every day,” said LAHS Naval Science Instructor Matt Bohlen, USN (Ret). Their first effort involved taking cadets to Sullivan Field, where they collectively ran 22 miles in honor of those veterans. “Afterward, we began discussing how we could make an even bigger impact, and from those conversations, the ’til Valhalla 5K and Fun Run was born,” he said.
During his research, Ayers discovered Mission 22. “We knew immediately that this was the cause we wanted to support,” Bohlen said.
In 2023, the LAHS NJROTC hosted the first ’til Valhalla 5K and Fun Run in Los Alamos. Around 100 people participated, and with the incredible support of the community, they raised $7,500 for Mission 22. The following year, the event was expanded, offering a virtual 5K in addition to the in person 5K and fun runs.
The virtual event attracted participants from several states. With more than 100 community members joining in, they raised an additional $7,850, bringing their two-year total to $15,350 for Mission 22.
“This year, we are excited to continue supporting Mission 22 while also donating a portion of the funds raised to the Tewa Roots Society, which helps local Native American veterans,” Bohlen said. As of today, 74 participants have already registered.
“We would love to see even more people come out to support these two incredible organizations,” he added.
Use the QR code to register or go to https://shorturl.at/ufUu4 to register.
Together, we can make a difference—honoring those we’ve lost while helping ensure our veterans receive the care and support they deserve.