Texas A&M Cadets, School Of Public Health Team Up For Run Of Heroes 5K

The Run of Heroes 5K, an event organized by the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets Squadron 17 that hopes to raise money for Aggie student veterans, is set for Saturday, April 6.

Squadron 17 partnered with the Texas A&M School of Public Health to organize the event that is part of the School of Public Health’s National Public Health Week programming, which began Monday, April 1. The cross-campus 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m. on the Quad at Texas A&M. Event registration is open to the public.

The run will raise funds for Lending Library located in the Veteran Resource and Support Center, which provides access to free textbooks for student veterans. Funds raised by the Run of Heroes will be used to purchase new books and replace damaged books.

Matthew Wilke, an Air Force contract cadet at Texas A&M in Squadron 17, organized the first 5k run in 2018. Wilke said the goal of this year’s event is to raise $10,000 for the Lending Library; additional funds raised above the $10,000 will be used to purchase Aggie rings for veterans.

“Our team saw this project as an opportunity to thank those who have served, or are currently serving, our wonderful country,” Wilke said. “Although the gesture could never fully measure up to thank those who have sacrificed it all, Squadron 17 strives to honor veterans through Run of Heroes and provide them with resources to continue making an impact on today’s world. Squadron 17 welcomes all to join them this year on April 6th and link arms once again to support those who served so selflessly for the United States of America.”