NJROTC color guard presenting the colors before the ‘Til Valhalla 5k and Fun Run. Courtesy photo

5k runners starting the brutal course. Courtesy photo

Cadets standin front of the ‘Til Valhalla banner showing their support. Courtesy photo

BY C/ENS ALANA HINOJOSA
Public Affairs Officer
Los Alamos High School NJROTC  

Every day 22 Veterans commit suicide. In order to bring awareness to this important  issue last year, Los Alamos High School NJROTC cadets ran a combined 22 miles to let our Veterans know their  lives are important. This year Topper Company wanted to make a bigger impact by partnering  with a charity that focused on preventing Veteran suicide and hosting the ‘Til Valhalla 5k and Fun  Run.

100% of the proceeds went to Mission 22, an organization that is committed to “ provide  extensive, personalized support and resources to help Veterans and their families thrive.”  

“On behalf of Mission 22, I would like to thank the Los Alamos High School NJROTC  and the Los Alamos community for their support,” Mission 22 Ambassador Jeff Brown said.  “The ‘Til Valhalla 5k and Fun Run will benefit Mission 22’s various programs supporting active  service members, Veterans, and their family members that are provided at no cost to them. Our  mission eliminates the wait times often experienced by Veterans seeking treatment, and provides help when they need it most. If you want to learn more about how you can help our veterans or  are a Veteran that may benefit from our programs, please check out Mission22.com.”  

The 5k route began at Sullivan Field and ran down past the ice rink and back,  symbolically replicating the trials and hardships that Veterans face. More than 100 runners and  walkers from around the area participated and helped raise $7,500. Topper Company also offered  NJROTC units across the nation the opportunity to participate in a virtual 5k, which contributed  almost $1,100. 

Participants and supporters raved about the event.

“The swag bags are so fancy! The run  was good, the course was a nice challenge. It’s a great cause: Veterans fought for our country  and we get to take care of them when they get home.” 5k participant Benigna Sanchez stated. 

Army Staff Sergeant Inirio said, “I love the motivation that the JROTC gave, I think it’s really  great to see so many young Americans support and take pride in the community. It was an honor  to see!”  

Topper Company would like to thank our booster club for all of the help and support  making this event happen. Lastly, we would like to thank our numerous sponsors and supporters,  without whom this would not have been possible. Please stop by and thank them!  

Los Alamos National Laboratory
Snowden Law Firm
El Parasol
Los Alamos County 
United States Army
ABC Cabinetry  
United States Coast Guard
Los Alamos Schools Credit Union 
Elks Lodge Los Alamos
Samizdat Bookstore and Tea House 
Ace Hardware
Flowers by Gillian 
Los Alamos Home Improvement
Farmers Insurance 
Alanatis Bohlen Management
Boese Brew Company 
The Maupin Group