Runners Honor Vets with 5K at MacArthur Airport

There was a ribbon of humanity on the runway at Long Island's MacArthur Airport, according to Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan.  Well over 1,000 people participated in the 5K Run For Veterans that the airport hosted. 

Nolan, who actually participated in the run, was very enthusiastic about it. 

"There were jets going off as all these people were walking and it was just a great human day," he said. "There was a convergence of all good interests and everything that's right with America, Islip and Suffolk.  All good stuff.  This is just so positive."

The race was dedicated to the U.S. Troops that are serving in Afghanistan.  Arthur Turner, head of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police has a son, Robert, who is stationed in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division, and it has been noted that record numbers of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other disabilities, including traumatic brain injury.  The unemployment rate among returning veterans is 21 perecent - more than 10 percent higher than the national average among other Americans.  In addition, Suffolk County has more homeless veterans than any other county in New York State. 

The event was dedicated to the troops serving in Afghanistan and it raised over $35,000 for Long Island 9-1-1 Veterans, a homegrown non-profit organization started by a Navy veteran, and dedicated to helping our local veterans.

Although the proceeds went to an extremely laudable cause, it provided great enjoyment to those who participated. Bill Fallar, of Ronkonkoma, participated in the race and is actually an employee of the airport. He decided to become involved "because of the veterans.  It's the greatest cause in the world.  They paid the price and the least I could do is honor them by walking or running…  whatever it takes."

For Fallar, the morning provided a unique experience.

"To walk around this airport to get people to see the airport from this perspective was great," he said. "I always see it from the runways and the taxiways but to actually walk around it was fantastic.  It was worth it!"   

Fallar's teenaged daughter Amber served as a volunteer for the event. 

"I thought everyone would need help with the water and stuff," she said. "It's great that all these people were walking so I was only too happy to give them water and help them out." 

When questioned about what she could have been doing instead of volunteering her time to this most worthy event, Amber admits, "I'd probably be with my friends, but I'd rather be here helping out!"

Lisa Rosselli was with a group of women from all over the area who did the 5K in Sayville last year.

"When we heard about this 5K for Veterans meant something to me because I lost a nephew in Iraq, so it meant something to me.  My friends got behind it and we're walking for a healthier life.  If you can support the Veterans, it's a 'Win-Win'.  The whole experience has been awesome.  It was very organized and I hope they have it again next year!"

Nolan was first to admit that it takes plenty of hard work to put together such an event. 

"I give all the credit to the staff out here at the airport, my UMA Commissioner Theresa Rizzoto, and everyone who did a great, great, job"

Among those people who worked behind-the-scenes on this event was Jaime Atkinson who serves as the Chief of the Department Community Ambulance Company. 

"This day has been kind of busy; planning a lot for EMS and working with the Town of Islip, making sure that everything here was safe and if any incidents occurred that we responded quickly and with the highest level of care possible." 

There were, indeed, a few problems that had to be addressed during the day, according to Atkinson. 

"We had a nine year old with heat exposure and an elderly male with heat exposure," he said. "They actually refused medical treatment and were seen by advanced life support before they were released."

According to Atkinson, there were 1,200 runners who participated in the race. 

"On the other hand, there were large numbers of police, firemen and my own staff on hand to tend to the needs of such a large crowd," he said.

All of this takes careful preparation.

"There was a lot of coordination with the Town of Islip on how many people are going to be attending and what the weather forecast would be," Atkinson said. "There are plenty of variables there.  It takes us quite a few weeks to plan.  On the airport side, dealing with the FAA and TSA, they were dealing with much more in obtaining permission to have the race." 

There is certainly much more to an event like this than meets the eye. 

There was a great sense of accomplishment throughout the morning, but the exhilaration of those who finished race was palpable.  They not only achieved a sense of accomplishment, but an enormous amount of money was raised for an incredibly worthy cause.  Let's hope that Lisa Rossell's wish comes true and this race becomes an annual event.