August 29, 2013

Drexel University’s Physical Therapy Club and the Arnold Air Society hosted a 5k Fun Run on the morning of July 13 to support the Wounded Warrior Project. The Fighter Jet 5k was held at the Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and raised more than $3,000 to support our servicemen and women via the nonprofit organization’s efforts. Drexel University Doctor of Physical Therapy student Hillary Berry led the organization of this event, receiving support from Drexel’s Office of Student Life as well as from enthusiastic young students from the Valley Forge Military Academy.

A broad audience- from Drexel and Valley Forge Military Academy alumni and current students to their families and faculty members- enjoyed a fun day of fitness, as well as free food and giveaways. After a group lap around the school’s track, participants embarked on a 2.6 mile run through the beautiful hills of the campus at Valley Forge. The course ended with a second victory lap around the school’s track. Awards were given out to racers in all age groups while live music provided by 9^th Life, a local Philadelphia-based band, serenaded the crowd.

“It was a great experience. I can’t imagine a more inspiring cause than the Wounded Warrior Project to motivate me to register for my first 5k,” said Adrian Banning, an assistant clinical professor in the Physician Assistant Department at the College of Nursing and Health Professions. “I’m grateful that the Physical Therapy Club and Arnold Air Society hosted it and I’m looking forward to next year’s event.”

All event proceeds and donations were given directly to the Wounded Warrior Project to honor all of those who have served our country. The WWP was founded in 2003 in Roanoke, Virginia by a group of veterans and friends who took action to help the injured servicemen and women of their generation. The organization’s mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound co-incident to their military service. It began as a small, grassroots effort to provide immediate assistance when a warrior of this generation was injured.