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Great and Good Things

On a beautiful Saturday morning, Nov. 2, APK Charities hosted its sixth annual Ruck/Race/Walk event. Each year we are more overcome with a deep appreciation for the local support we experience as we honor our mission to support America’s remarkable defenders and their families.

On the first Saturday of every November, we assemble for this, our major fundraising activity. With the money raised we will continue in our efforts to support our soldiers and their families in need. In addition, as the ruck sacks were filled with non perishable food items, we were able to collect and deliver 6,500 pounds of food to four local food pantries.

We have 555 race registrants to thank, numerous volunteers, and local businesses.

In addition we were graced with the presence of soldiers from 1BN/3rd Group Special Forces (A) who marched 365 miles though seven states from Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia to the Guilford Fairgrounds, all in an effort to display their honor and respect for Gold Star families, and fellow soldiers and friends who have fallen. The Connecticut Army National Guard was well represented, as was the 102nd Army Band performing great music! We hosted a parachutist who brought in the flag, and welcomed the Veterans and Athletes United traveling Global War on Terror Memorial Flag, designed with 7,000 dog tags of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and 50 gold stars for Gold Star families.

This thank you is a reminder that we as a family, a community, and as a nation can do great and good things together, with an awareness of the cost of our sacred freedoms. We hope to see everyone Nov. 7, 2020 for our seventh annual event.

Helen and Bob Keiser-Pedersen

APK Board of Directors

Madison