Inspiring

Many of us recognize Bob Costas as the award-winning sports broadcaster for more than three decades. This year he is also the 2014 Tony Snow Award recipient, which recognizes a citizen in the public eye who has made a significant difference in the lives of injured servicemen and women.

The award was created in honor of the former syndicated newsman and White House press secretary under George W. Bush who lost his battle with cancer. During his time at Fox, Snow helped raise awareness and support for Wounded Warrior Project, showing us the challenges faced by soldiers returning from combat.

Costas was first introduced to Wounded Warrior Project after visiting Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and thanking the soldiers for their service and sacrifice. During that visit, he was deeply moved by their stories and it led to his involvement with Wounded Warriors.

As Costas discovered, the sacrifices our veterans have made can't be taken for granted. Around the country, groups and individuals have been pedaling to raise awareness through cycle challenges.

Christian Fitzgerald of Atlanta identifies himself as a normal guy who appreciates the sacrifices that are made every day by our military. According to his Pedal for Patriots website, he hopes to raise $25,000 from sponsorships for the Navy Seal Foundation by pedaling 550 miles from Atlanta to Fort Pierce, Fa.

Fitzgerald was especially moved after a friend who is a Navy SEAL showed him pictures of every Navy SEAL who has been killed since the War on Terror started. It made him realize how these warriors are putting themselves in harm's way 24/7.

It's inspiring to see events taking place in our own region of the state to help wounded warriors. Earlier this month, the inaugural Kutztown 5K Wounded Warrior Run/Walk was held at Kutztown University. On May 4, the Fifth Annual Reading 5K Wounded Warrior Run/Walk will be held at Alvernia University.

The Third Annual Pottstown 5K Trail Run and 1 Mile Walk will be held on July 5 and closer to this area, the Third Annual Allentown 5K Wounded Warrior Run/Walk is planned for Aug. 10 at Lone Lane Park in Upper Macungie Township.

Events are also planned later this year at Fort Indiantown Gap and at Bensalem High School.

Credit the caregivers, sponsors and volunteers working behind the scenes for helping to make these events special for those who put their lives on the line so we can enjoy our freedoms.

By JIM ZBICK

editor@tnonline.com