Running to Remember Fallen Coast Guard Heroes
One of the Coast Guard Foundation’s largest Run to Remember events took place on May 22, 2016 in memory of fallen Coast Guard hero Jake Moletzsky.
Over 400 participants laced up their running shoes to take on the event’s 5k and 1 mile courses in Jake’s hometown of Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Before the race, family members, friends and local Coast Guard Delaware Bay Sector Captain Benjamin Cooper spoke to race participants and the community who had gathered on the impact of Jake’s sacrifice.
Jake was one of seven Coast Guard members and two U.S. Marines killed in October 2009 when a Coast Guard C130 and Marine Corps helicopter collided off the coast of California.
To ensure his service and sacrifice to our country is not forgotten, Jake’s mom Lisa Moletzsky and her friend Rosalie Hetrick began the annual ‘Jake Moletzsky Run 2 Remember’ in 2013.
“We must never forget the memories of our fallen - we keep them alive through saying their names and repeating their stories,” said Lisa. “Families don't want their loved ones forgotten, and we will always remember.”
Also in May, Coast Guard Foundation President Anne Brengle visited Texas City Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit’s 4th Annual Run to Remember. The run honored Senior Chief Petty Officer Jim Pavini and Chief Petty Officer Chuck Blome, both marine inspectors lost in a helicopter accident in 1994.
The event’s guest speaker, Kristy Pavini, the daughter of Senior Chief Petty Officer Jim Pavini, addressed the crowd before the race began thanking those who had gathered to remember the fallen.
The family of Senior Chief Petty Officer Jim Pavini with Texas City Run to Remember participants.
“This is an incredibly beautiful and touching way to remember and honor those we love and have lost,” said Kristy. “The fact that the money raised from these events goes to help spouses and children through difficult times, as well as go to college is further evidence of how the Coast Guard continues to take care of their fallen shipmates.”
