On Saturday, September 30, 2017, the Andrew Weathers Memorial Foundation will be hosting their annual fundraising run in Destin, Florida, at The Crab Trap. This year’s run will include a beach 5K as well as a fun run and obstacle course for kids. The run kicks off at 8 am. The after party and silent auction will directly follow the timed run including drinks and The Crab Trap’s signature jambalaya.
September 30 is a significant day for the Andrew Weathers Memorial Foundation and for all who served with Andrew.
The Foundation was formed after Andrew was killed in action on September 30, 2014, in the Kajaki District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, during a 48-hour firefight.
Andrew in Afghanistan
Andrew was an 18 Delta on ODA 7221, assigned to the Army’s 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) near Crestview, Florida. Now buried in Arlington National Cemetery, his family quickly realized the lack of support and opportunity for families to visit the grave of their loved one after the funeral.
The Foundation was created to support Gold Star families, raising funds to send them back to Arlington and to honor Andrew’s memory.
“I think the best way to honor Andy, is to share his story,” said Evan Lacenski, ODA 7221’s 2014 Captain. “Andy was the kind of guy that most American’s will never meet, or never know exists, but there are lots of Andys out there that fly out into the night and go take the fight to the enemy and do it without ever wanting praise or recognition. They do it because their brothers are right next to them and they wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Guys like Andy who have made the sacrifices like that deserve to have their stories told.”
Photo from memorial run for Andrew in 2016
Early registration pricing is $30 per runner before August 1. After August 1, registration increases to $45 per runner. The VIP package includes a 2017 runners shirt and two additional after-party drink tickets. VIP packages can be purchased at any time for $60 per runner.
Photo from memorial run for Andrew in 2016
The 2017 “Never Forget Run” will begin with an Honor and Remember Ceremony, offering a way for the community to pay respects to the Special Forces soldiers who have given their lives for our country. Awards will be given to the first three finishers. Kids will have a chance to run through an obstacle course at the 5K finish. A silent auction will accompany the fundraiser and will be live on Friday, September 29, for early bidding.
The Crab Trap is located at 3500 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, Florida. All proceeds from the run go to benefit Gold Star Families.
Photo from memorial run for Andrew in 2016
