Events and Activities “A Flaughless 5K” Memorial Run/Walk for Dan Flaugh, October 27th

“A Flaughless 5K” Memorial Run/Walk for Dan Flaugh, former Vinton resident and Iraq veteran, planned for October, raises funds for the Wounded Warrior Project

The committee for A Flaughless 5K is planning to hold its first annual run/walk on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Riverside Park in Vinton. This event was created in remembrance of Dan Flaugh, a 2004 graduate of Washington High School in Vinton and an Iraq War veteran who took his own life in December 2011. Proceeds from A Flaughless 5K will be donated to the nonprofit organization Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), which supports a full range of programs and services for injured veterans and their families.

“Dan was everyone’s friend. We all enjoyed being around him because he brought so much positive energy everywhere he went,” said Georgia Meeker Sysouchanh, who is helping plan the event. “Dan looked out for everyone around him and had such a caring heart. This event is a small way to remember what a huge impact Dan had on all of us.”

According to WWP, over 47,000 servicemen and women have been injured in recent military conflicts. In addition to physical wounds, it is estimated as many as 400,000 service members live with invisible wounds of war including combat-related stress, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Another 320,000 are believed to have experienced a traumatic brain injury while on deployment. Time magazine published a cover story, “One a Day,” in their July 2012 issue that reported that more soldiers have committed suicide than have died in conflict in the Afghanistan War. According to the article, since 2001, 4,486 U.S. troops have died in Iraq, 1,950 have died in Afghanistan, and 2,676 have died by suicide.

WWP’s 18 programs and services are uniquely structured to nurture the mind and body, and encourage economic empowerment and engagement.

For more information on A Flaughless 5K and to register, volunteer or sponsor, please visit www.flaughless.com or contact committee members Georgia Meeker Sysouchanh or Lisa Horak at flaughless@gmail.com or via phone at 319-329-6275 (Georgia) or 319-310-2747 (Lisa).

About Wounded Warrior Project TM

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

About Dan

Dan Flaugh, a life-long Vinton resident and former US Army soldier who served in Baghdad, Iraq, passed away in December 2011 at the age of 25. Dan lived life to the fullest and was a friend to everyone.

Forever a jokester, Dan could always light up a room and make everyone laugh. His fun-loving spirit is one we hope to carry on through A Flaughless 5K.

Race Details

Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 10 am
Registration begins at 9 am
Riverside Park, Vinton, Iowa
The park is located across from Virginia Gay Hospital on Park Drive between 8th & 9th Avenue.

Sign me up!
Go to www.flaughless.com to register online.

$20 Registration fee (for ages 13+)

$10 for current and former military members

$10 Registration fee (for ages 12 and under)

About Wounded Warrior Project
For wounded warriors returning from active duty around the world, the most difficult part of homecoming is adapting to the daily challenges of everyday life. The Wounded Warrior Project ® was established to provide tangible, practical support for the wounded – helping them to heal both physically and mentally.
Volunteers
We’ll need lots of volunteers before, during and after the race. If you’re interested in helping, go to www.flaughless.com to register as a volunteer.
Sponsors
Individuals and businesses that are interested in sponsoring
A Flaughless 5K may go to www.flaughless.com for more information.

Contact
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at flaughless@gmail.com or via phone 319-329-6275 (Georgia)
or 319-310-2747 (Lisa).
For the Benefit of The Wounded Warrior Project
www.flaughless.com