Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Runners, walkers raise money for Wounded Warrior Project

IRONWOOD - About 40 runners and walkers braved the chilly morning on Saturday to participate in the first ever Honor Our Veterans Walk/Run/Roll.

Participants were not required to pay a fee to join the event, and they were not timed during the event.

The focus instead was to help raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. According to race co-coordinator Forrest Kivisto, the event was very successful early.

"We haven't even started the race yet, and we have already raised $450 for the Wounded Warrior Project," Kivisto said.

Kivisto and Gary Engstrom planned the event, and hope to continue it in the future.

"This is our first year, so we are just getting our feet wet," Kivisto said. "Our goal is to try and make it bigger every year."

Before the event, Col. Dave Manki spoke to attendees about the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps veterans returning home deal with both physical and mental injuries.

"They advocate for our warriors," Manki said. "So if they need help, they can get help. Is Wounded Warrior worth it? You bet it is."

In addition to the event, the JROTC students from Ironwood will be collecting donations for the Wounded Warrior Project.

According to Kivisto, the event raised $1,176 and they hope to see more people next year.

"Come out and support Wounded Warrior," Kivisto said. "It's a great project. They gave so much for us. We can give a little back."

For more information on donating to the Wounded Warrior Project through JROTC, call the Ironwood School District at 906-932-0932.

 
 
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