National Guard Family Fundraising 5-k Race Sunday In Colonie

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COLONIE, NY--Runners set out on the 3rd Annual New York National Guard Family Readiness Council, Inc. 5K Fundraising run, Saturday June 12, 2010 at Colonie Crossings Park, near Albany.

COLONIE, NY (06/09/2011)(readMedia)-- Dozens of National Guard and community runners will participate in the 4th 'Hometown Heroes Run', a fundraiser sponsored by the New York National Guard Family Readiness Council on Sunday, June 12th at Colonie Crossings Park.

WHO: New York Army and Air National Guard members and community runners.

WHAT: The 'Hometown Heroes Run' sponsored by the New York National Guard Family Readiness Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, will raise funds to benefit the families of National Guard service members across the state.

Race sponsor, Ms. Vicki DiMura, New York Army National Guard Gold Star Mother and founder of the David M. Fisher Memorial Fund will join the Family Readiness Council during a cake-cutting ceremony following the race to commemorate Sgt. David Fisher's birthday.

WHERE: Crossings Park of Colonie, 580 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, NY 12211

WHEN: Sunday, June 12, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

Coverage Opportunities:

Imagery of runners preparing and running the 5k race.Interview opportunities include, Cherie Murphy, President of the New York National Guard Family Readiness Council and her husband, the Adjutant General of New York, Maj Gen. Patrick Murphy, race sponsor, Ms. Vicki DiMura, New York Army National Guard Gold Star Mother and founder of the David M. Fisher Memorial Fund, as well as runners and their family members.

BACKGROUND:

Members of the National Guard come under unique pressures when they are activated for federal or state duty in times of emergency. Unlike active duty military members, "Citizen Soldiers" do not live on or near military bases that can provide the range of support services to families during periods of separation.

The Council helps fill the financial void that is often created during periods of service deployments or separations for Citizen Soldiers. Military personnel are routinely supported by the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Family Program; however, as a state agency, they are prohibited from soliciting donations.

The New York National Guard has mobilized over 11,000 Soldiers and Airmen for active duty and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as homeland security duties throughout New York State since September 11, 2001. The Family Readiness Counsel provides direct and indirect assistance to the family members of the New York Organized Militia through grant programs, family readiness workshops and education events as well as through family readiness outreach programs.

The 2011 "Hometown Heroes Run" is the 4th annual fundraising event of its type for the organization, drawing donations and support from runners, local veterans' organizations and local businesses.