Community Raises over $8,000 for Deployed Troops

This year’s Cinco de Mayo did not begin with sombreros or margaritas in Upper Moreland Township. Rather it began with almost 300 people descending upon Masons Mill Park with their running or walking shoes on. Committee members and volunteers of Freedom Steps, a non-profit organization that supports our deployed troops, arrived early to set up the park for their 6th annual 5k run/walk.

Runners and walkers began arriving around 8am to register, and begin stretching for the race. The morning started with the rumbling of motorcycles as Warriors’ Watch Riders entered the park, flags waving in the breeze and engines roaring. Opening ceremonies brought the playing of the National Anthem, by recent UMHS graduate Matt Salazar, the presentation of colors by North Penn JROTC, and an encouraging speech by Will and Carol, parents of a deployed airman.

During the opening ceremonies, several sponsors were recognized who have supported the event for the last five years. These sponsors as well as all the others are all from the surrounding area. Local, small businesses who want to support our troops. One business in particular was highlighted this year - Ameriwealth Retirement Services, Inc. located in Hatboro. Bob Fattizzi, owner of Ameriwealth, has been a supporter of the Freedom Steps organization and events since it began in 2008. Over the years Bob has organized a bowling event in November and invited his clients and their families to participate. The money raised from the event is donated to Freedom Steps to help continue the mission of the organization. This year was Bob and Ameriwealth’s largest contribution year. Thanks to the support of the businesses clients and their families, Ameriwealth Retirement Services presented Freedom Steps with a check for $3,000 at the event. Thank you Bob and all of your clients for their support of the troops.

The greater Willow Grove community is phenomenal in their commitment and dedication to troop support. From supply donations throughout the year to increasing the number of participants each year of the 5k, the brave men and women who receive our packages know they are cared for not only by their family and friends but by a community who goes above and beyond the call of duty.

This year’s event allowed Freedom Steps to quickly assemble supplies and care packages for thirteen deployed servicemen and women. Twenty-six boxes ranging in weight from 20 to 50 pounds were shipped to these contacts to share with their comrades. It is Freedom Steps’ goal to bring a smile to their faces while they are far from home. What better way to say thank you for what you do, than to send them goodies from home.

In response, Freedom Steps has received the following two notes:

From Sgt Nick Jasionis, “Thank you so much for the goodies!!! All of my guys are very happy to get some very needed things from home. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for us and for every deployed service member that you have helped… Thank you so much again!!!!”

From TSgt Shawn’Tina Watt, “Myself and my team would like to thank you and all the participants for what you are doing. Not very often do we see we are appreciated for the sacrifices we make for fellow Americans. People do not realize what they have until it is no longer available….Some people never received a care package and we’re very grateful for the items provided….From the floss, soaps, lotions, deodorants, snack, EVERYTHING is appreciated and enjoyed by a service member. And the Peeps were a hit! LOL. Again, thank you and please tell the participants of Freedom Steps 5k their efforts are not unnoticed and greatly appreciated.”

So to the entire community, Freedom Steps thanks you for your support of our mission to continue bringing a smile to the faces of our deployed troops.