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.