The TriState Veterans Memorial Fund hosted its third annual 5K and 1-mile run on August 8 at Washington Lake Park.
The organization, based in Sewell, was established back in November 2022 by Washington Township resident Frank Alexander, whose father was a veteran of the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Alexander, who is the executive director, and his leadership and advisory boards work to honor and support veterans in the tri-state area who are enduring PTSD and mental health struggles.
The annual race, which has increased in turnout over the last three years, is one of the organization’s fundraising initiatives. Alexander said most of the money raised at the event, which came out to around $9,000, will be used towards supporting the Vineland Veterans Home. The organization frequently partners with and donates money, time and services to the home.
“We recently paid for a device that one of the veterans needed for their (medical) chair. Without that, the chair was useless,” Alexander said.
They also host a variety of events for the vets there: Pizza parties, bingo days, bowling nights. Each Christmas, they also donate gifts to the 200 or so residents at the home.
Two runners at the TriState Veterans Memorial Fund’s 3rd Annual 5K; one runner completed the race while holding an American flag.
More than 180 people participated in the race. There were 107 runners who completed the 5K race; the rest participated in the 1-mile walk. Racer age ranged from 10 years old to above 70.
Fourteen-year-old (and incoming freshman) Christian Hughes came in first overall. The Glassboro runner completed the race with a time of 17:47. He ran cross country during his time at Bowe Middle School and track and field at Glassboro High School. He also runs with Washington Township youth running programs.
In the spring, he qualified for the track and field national championships. He, along with the Glassboro High School track and field teams, were honored by the county in July for their accomplishments.
This is the second year in a row Hughes has won the TriState Veterans Memorial Fund 5K race. At the first annual race, he placed first in his division.
“He’s like the Flash,” Frank said, who also serves as the race director. “He was up front the second that thing went off. He just runs. It’s like he’s on autopilot.”
The TriState Veterans Memorial Fund awards the overall winners and the top men and women in each age division. The organization is able to put on the race with the help of its sponsors, including Aversa’s Italian Bakery, Washington Township Fire Department, Iron Workers Local 399 and 405, and Turnersville AutoMall.
Additionally, there was a service dog up for adoption at the event. Helping veterans connect with service dogs is one of the organization’s missions.
A representative from Starr Dog Academy in Pitman, which offers service dog training in addition to different training for everyday dogs, had a dog at the event to meet attendees and observers. The next day, the dog was adopted by a veteran who attended the event.
The TriState Veterans Memorial Fund will cover the cost of training the service dog and purchase any specialty items she will need.
In November, the organization will host its annual Flag for Forgotten Veterans memorial event for Veterans Day. For event updates and more information about the organization and its services, go to www.tristateveteransmemorialfund.org.
Washington Township Fire Department waved a large American flag over Washington Lake Park during the TriState Veterans Memorial Fund’s 3rd Annual 5K on August 8.
