Freedom Steps in Action Freedom Steps 5k Success May 6, 2018 May 7, 2017 May 1, 2016 May 4, 2014 Matt Salazar plays the National AnthemAndy McInerney ( whose son received care packages from FS while deployed this past year)Winners CircleBravo CompanyFamily eventRegistrationThank you!!Dave Goodwin a loyal supporterWinnerStart May 5, 2013 Start of the 5kMedal presentation by UM Little League’s Team Freedom Steps and Ralph StortiOverall WinnerWinners of the various categories May 1, 2011 Warriors' Watch Riders arrive at Masons Mill ParkVeterans and non-veterans use their motorcycles to show support for our troops.RegistrationRegistration pavilion full of activityOver 20 raffle baskets offered participants a chance to win some cool prizes.Participants mingle prior to the opening ceremonies.Willow Grove Post Commander Harry Lynd and former Commander Ralph Storti raise the flag.Matt Salazar, sophomore at UMHS, plays the National Anthem.Col. Carrelli, Commander of the 111th Fighter Wing from Willow Grove Air Base, was the guest speaker.Col. Carrelli thanked everyone for their support as many of his soldiers were recipients of packages during their deployment last year.The crowd of 250 listens and prepares for the beginning of the run.Col. Carrelli presents Heather Salazar & Freedom Steps with a certificate of appreciation for their support of the 111th Fighter Wing during their deployment.WWR prepare the flag line for the runners and walkers to make their way through.UMHS Key Club volunteers managed the timing table for the runners.And off go the walkers!!!Walkers make their way down the drivewayOff go the runners!Runners and walkers fill Masons Mill Road as they make their way to Pennypack Trail.Runners make their way through Pennypack TrailThey are motivated and continue to run.And have fun while they run.True dedication :-)Participants cross the finish line by making their way through WWR flag line.Our 2011 winners.The USO joined us this year - thanks for coming!Army National Guard...they are always willing to help.Warrior Camero - raising awareness for the Wounded Warriors Project.Jason Ager donated his time and talents to entertain us during the event. May 2, 2010 Warriors' Watch Riders enter Masons Mill Park under Police Escort prior to the start of Freedom Steps.The riders greet each other as they always do when they arrive at their destination.People line up to register and get their Freedom Steps t-shirt.Former Post Commander Ralph Storti and VFW member Chuck Fellmeth prepare to raise the flag under Post Commander Harry Lynd's orders.Matt Salazar plays the National Anthem on his trumpet as Harry Lynd and other veterans look on.Wayne Lutz, founder of Warrior's Watch Riders, delivers an inspirational speech prior to the start of the race.Participants listen closely to Wayne Lutz as he reminds everyone that freedom isn't free and the importance of showing our support for our troops.Runners take off at the sound of the trumpet.More runners.The walkers follow the runners but are sure to stay out of their way.Around the bend the runners go!Participants enjoy the shade while walking along Pennypack Trail.Wives of members of 111th Fighter Unit cross their finish lines with their children in honor of their deployed husbands.Members of the Air National Guard help distribute the door prized to winning participants.Kim, one of the wives of the 111th recieves the medal in honor of all the wives. The medal was given by the third place male winner who ran with number 111 and wanted the wives to have his medal as a thank you for what they do.Winners of Freedom Steps 2010. May 3, 2009 Participants arrive at the event and register.A salute during the National Anthem.The participants and volunteers listen as the National Anthem is played and announcements are made.At the sound of the trumpet, the runners take off down the path.The runners continue through the rain on their way into Pennypack TrailThe walkers pushed themselves to complete the 5k despite the rain.One of the runners stops to talk to Heather after he completes the 5k about the course.Posters signed by the volunteers and participants to send overseas to the soldiers.The gazebo was shelter from the pouring rain during the event.The volunteers and participants gather in the gazebo for snacks and some good music.The first, second, and third place male and female winners.Sorting all of the donations to see what we have in order to pack care packages.Sealing the boxes extra tight so they are ready to ship.Care packages ready to ship to our soldiers. September 28, 2008 Participants, volunteers, and guests mingle before the event begins.Members of Willow Grove VFW Post 3612 salute during the National Anthem.3, 2, 1.....GO!!!Participants didn't have to run the 5k so some chose to walk it.Part of the path consists of Pennypack Trail, a scenic trail through the woods.A US Army veteran crosses the finish line to a cheering crowd, with his combat boots on and his pack filled.Rep. Murt stands with four of the run's winners, former Post Commander Ralph Storti, and Senator Greenleaf.All the supplies that were donated and bought had to be sorted before packing them.Lots of boxes to pack and seal...all with a special "touch of home" for the troops.Boxes are ready to be mailed out. Past Post Commander Ralph Storti, Event Director Heather Salazar, and current Post Commander Harry Lynd thanks everyone for their help.
