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About The Clackamas print. (Oregon City, Oregon) 1989-2019 | View Entire Issue (May 20, 2015)
8 CLACKAMAS PRINT • MAY 20,2015 Cougars run for veterans Students hope 5km will be annual event Story and photos by Katie Archer There was a five person committee, with help While the tomb of the unknown soldier is re membered and respected, the vets who have re from Green. “It was all a student idea that bubbled turned home want us to remember them too. To up as a way to bring the community together and serve those who have served America, Clackamas do something fun and healthily,” said Green. ASG vice president Johnney Russ, who served In Community College will be hosting the first annual 5km Cougar Run on Saturday, May 30. All proceeds the Marines, organized the vendors that will be at from this run will go to benefit the veterans here the Cougar Run. “My big thing is it’s great to put on at CCC. The Cougar Run will feature a number of an event, It’s great to have fun and to raise money," said Russ “But as a vet, If I’m not giving you any different obstacles, all military themed.. The Influence for the run came from ASG senator resources to help em power yourself, you’re not of grants, Robert Rutherford. “I’ve kept this idea In doing a lot of good without education." One of the vendors that will be at the Cougar the back of everyone’s mind all year and now we’re Run is called Lines for Life, a suicide prevention having this run,” said Rutherford. “I like to think of this run as my baby but I can’t take all the credit.” center. If someone who Is in crisis calls the Veter The ultimate goal for the Cougar Run Is to be an ans Affairs and the VA can’t take the call, the call gets transferred to Lines for Life. These kinds of vendors are helpful to both vets and their families. “They served us, It’s our time to serve them,” said Russ. Incoming ASG president Brent Finkbelner, who served in the Army, said, “It helps the community be aware of what’s out there for veterans because a lot of people may not be veterans, but are close to one and have a loved one that they would like to know that there is support.” The need right now Is for runners. There are lots annual event with a new beneficiary each year. This year the race committee had a few members that of people who signed up as volunteers, which Is are vets and knew that the Vet Center needed to great, but the Cougar Run needs a lot more runners. Encouraging people to sign up, Veterans Club be able to help any vet that came through its doors. Veterans services coordinator, R.B. Green said, president and Cougar Run committee member, “A lot of the veterans we help need resources and Tiffany Johnson said, “First and foremost It’s going not all are qualified for the some great educational to be a lot of fun.” Johnson, who served in the Air Force, knows programs everyone knows about.” Green had served 20 years In the Army and has done the transition the committee has realistic goals for this first year between civilian life and militarily life a few times and they are learning how to make next year’s run and has helped many students in that life transition. better, If this first Cougar Run is a success. To help with the success, grab a friend and sign up on www.ac- tlve.com and search for Clackamas Cougar Run and pay a fee of $25 for students and veterans and $30 for everyone else. But wait there’s more! If you register between May 23-29, there Is a promo price of $15 for everyone with online reg istration. What all is included in the run fee? “You know a hamburger meal on its own plus drink and a chip Is what you’re going to get,” said Rutherford, who is described by Green as the most militaristic guy “ They served us, it’s our time to serve them.” - Johnney Russ ASG Member Candice Stauffer goes through the tire run obstacle. who has never served a day In the military. “What’s that going to cost you? $10. A t-shirt, at least is going to cost you $15 or more off the shelf. To expe rience being a part of something in the community and knowing your money is going to a good cause. Priceless. Priceless.” For students looking to support their veterans and can’t make it to the Cougar Run. There is the Veterans Club open to everybody npt just veterans. Getting Involved with the local community and showing the veterans that they are cared about. A simple powerful way to support veterans Is thank ing them. “My thoughts, number one, If you see a vet thank them,” said Russ. “A simple thank you for your ser vice has an incredible Impact to us.” Registration for the Cougar Run is $30, which includes a T-shirt, water bottle and food. For stu dents and veterans, the price Is $25. The Cougar Run kicks off on May 30 at 8 a.m. The runners start at 10 a.m. at the Community Center.
