By Joe Reavis
Staff Writer
Preparations are well underway for the fifth annual 1LT Robert F. Welch III Run for Our Heroes set for April 2 in downtown Wylie to honor the military, firefighters and police officers.
“We have a lot to do, but we’re going to get it done,” said Becky Welch, widow of Lt. Welch and organizer of the event.
Welch, a Wylie High School graduate, was killed in 2011 while serving with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.
“This is such a neat event because it brings people together,” Welch said. “We are going to stand behind our military, police and firefighters. They are our heroes.”
Run for Our Heroes is anchored by a 1-mile walk and 5-kilometer run through town, but includes much more for a full day of activities at Olde City Park. The purpose of the event is to raise funds for the 1LT Robert F. Welch charity.
Last year the event generated more than $6,000 that was then donated to the Wylie Police Department K-9 Unit, Wylie ISD Education Foundation and to help a family that had lost a member serving in the military.
Welch reported that Wylie Fire-Rescue is the primary beneficiary of proceeds this year, along with the education foundation.
New this year is sponsorships that pay various operating costs. Sponsors are Stacie Gooch Realty, New Life Automotive, Napoli’s, Edmundson Law Firm, Capital Title, Homebridge, FRD Energy Services, Berkley Specialty Group, Country Club Cafe, Woodmen of the World and Wallace Collision Center.
Runners can sign up in advance online at www.1ltwelchrunforourheroes.org, or on race day starting at 7:30 a.m. Registration is free.
For full story see The Wylie News at http://www.etypeservices.com/Wylie%20NewsID245/default.aspx
