Chapel Hill 5K

Our first Nationwide Yellow Ribbon 5K was held on Campus of UNC-Chapel Hill, November 13, 2004 in conjuction with Ashley Weekes, founder and other members of the Carolina Troop Supporters. We wish to thank Ashley, Ginny and all the other members that with their dedication and determination helped to make our event successful!

Click to read an article from the Herald Sun.

The participants came from all over the State and included surprise runners from Fort Bragg, NC. A small, but healthy amount of 82nd Airborne from the 505 division along with Platoon Sargeant Wisyanski and several 85 MP participated in our 5K. We also enjoyed the company of a small platoon of Young Marines from Raleigh, NC ages 7 to 14. What a great show of support to the military and families who we strive to support!

Adam Blocker from UNC and a former 82nd paratrooper took first place in at 18:51 with Jarret Prady following at 19:09, and Ted Richardson in at 20:35. The first place female runner, Jamie McGee was clocked in at 23:52, with Leah Miraglia following at 24:31, and third place runner, Anna Wilson in at 25:07. All of our participants did a great job and we wish to thank them all!

Our first and second place award recipients for the most pledges collected were from Fort Bragg, NC, Tonya Jung and Scott Stagner, respectively. Tonya's co-workers at Womack Hospital and Scott's battalion contributed most generously and we wish to thank them all. Unfortunately the 3rd, 4th and 5th place winners were not able to be present for our awards and will not be mentioned until their prizes are distributed.

Our Military Guest Speaker, Major General H. Douglas Robertson, a highly decorated soldier having served in Vietnam blessed us all with words of wisdom, experience and his presence. Major General Robertson has campaigned for more than a year with politicians to begin a citizen soldier support group, which he is now heading up with the Citizen-Soldier Support Program that will begin in the State of North Carolina and we encourage all citizens and community organizations to become involved and lend support to our strengthen military personnel and their families as they are deployed to ensure our security and well-being.

Nikkie Groat, Miss Teen North Carolina came from Charlotte to offer help us with registrations, gave a wonderful speech on patriotism and our Country, and offered her face painting skills to all participants and our guests. Nikkie at age 16 has a very busy schedule with school, let alone participations in other charity events throughout the State.

The flag ceremony performed by members of the ROTC was followed with our National Anthem, which was performed by UNC's own, Lauren Jones and other students who completed her trio.

Jeff Wade Clark, from Nashville drove the more than 10 hours to perform for us with a special tribute in his "Little Soldiers" song that has become playing on a variety of radio stations.

Chapel Hill's own Brooks Wood Band played several sets for us and offered some cd's at a discount price to us all. Brooks also arranged our pig pickin and made sure the pickin was "all good", and it was!

How could we not include the ever popular "Clef Hangers", what a wonderful performance and voice! The Clef Hangers are not only popular with the girls, but the boys as well.

We thank all involved and the following sponsors who without them this event would have never taken place:

If you would like to purchase a tee-shirt from the event, please go to our shopping cart to buy online.