Armed Forces 5K

Armed Forces Day 5K
May 29, 2021 at 10:00 am
Merrimack High School

or, if you can't join us on May 29th....

Run Anywhere between May 22nd - July 4th

in the Virtual 5K

Run to benefit the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund

Every participant will receive a shirt and challenge coin!

CHALLENGE COIN

Military commanders often give pocket-size medallions, called Challenge Coins, to service members as a mark of camaraderie. A commander’s unique coin — often copper, bronze or nickel — carries symbols and mottos denoting the unit or office. Coins are usually circular, but also can be pentagons, spades or even dog tags to be worn around the neck.

Throughout their service, military members use the coins to prove their allegiance when challenged. High-ranking officers and retirees often display a collection of coins in their offices alongside uniform patches and ribbons as a symbol of pride.

RUNNING IN MEMORY OF SSGT Ronald “RJ” Ouellette

Today we remember SSgt Ronald “RJ” Ouellette’s service and sacrifice.

SSgt Ronald Ouellette or “RJ" as he was known, grew up in Merrimack and Londonderry New Hampshire graduating from Londonderry High School, Class of 2015. RJ was passionate about helping others and serving his country and shortly after graduating High school he joined the Air Force.

SSgt Ouellette was assigned to the 42nd Aerial Port Squadron, 439th Airlift Wing, out of Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts. Serving nearly 6 years in the USAF he was Deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait where he worked as an air transportation specialist, responsible for ensuring the safety of people and cargo on military aircraft.

RJ took great pride and honor with this role, earning many military awards including the Air Force Achievement Medal, an Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Small Arms Expert (Rifle) Ribbon and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

SSgt Ronald Ouellette tragically died on September 14, 2020 in an ATV accident on the flight line of Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. RJ was laid to rest with full military honors at Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH

Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting RJ would instantly feel drawn to his fun-loving personality.

Without question SSgt Ouellette lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed motorcycles, fishing and relaxing with family and friends in his spare time.

We will forever remember RJ's kind and giving heart, his gleaming smile and contagious laugh.

SSgt Ouellette will forever be missed.

While sharing found memories of RJ, friends mentioned Ouellette’s favorite parting words from any conversation would always be… “Love You, Bye”

This sums up his beautiful soul perfectly.

CHILDREN OF FALLEN SOLDIERS RELIEF FUND MISSION STATEMENT

The Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund was founded, October 23, 2003 to help support surviving U.S. Military children who have lost a parent in the Afghanistan or Iraq wars by providing them with College Grants. Our College Grant Program has been expanded to include both U.S. Military children and spouses who have either lost a loved one as a result of the Afghanistan or Iraq wars or have a severely disabled parent or spouse who was injured during a deployment to either war. Our second objective is to help the surviving and severely disabled members of these families with financial assistance. We provide help to U.S. Military families that have children under the age of 18, and who are in need of assistance with housing, repairs, utilities, medical expenses, groceries, clothing, school supplies and other expenses deemed necessary in order to help alleviate their need.

There is no substitute for a parent, but we strive to ease their pain and grief, and will continue to honor the memories of our fallen service members.
CFC #43573

https://www.cfsrf.org/about-us.html

RUNNING IN MEMORY OF SSGT Ronald “RJ” Ouellette