Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/551480
Paying Homage to Our Fallen Heroes SHORTCUTS GIVING BACK 86 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 5 I n opening remarks for the 2014 Honor Our Fallen 10K/5K, Monterey County Assistant District Attorney Jimmy Panetta said: "American war- riors have put on the uniform, put their lives on the line—and yes, paid that ultimate price to protect the principles of our Constitution." That's precisely why Margot Stengle founded the walk/run event in 2013. Her son, SSG Vincent Wayne Ashlock, passed away in 2012 while on active duty with the Army National Guard. "I was having a hard time dealing with his passing," Stengle recalls. "I decided to do something to give back and to honor Vincent by doing something for the veterans and the military." To date, SSG Ashlock and 13 other Monterey County military person- nel have become "Fallen Heroes" in recent wars Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. All funds generated by the race are donat- ed to the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery Foundation and the Veterans Transition Center. "If this helps just one family," Stengle says, "I'll feel like I've done my job." Appropriately, this event is the first to make use of the Fort Ord Dunes State Park in Marina, located on the site of that former Army base's coast- side rifle ranges. The race course itself runs over the paved trail that loops through the gently rolling dunes along the Monterey Bay coast. The course rewards runners with panoramic vistas of the Bay and the magnificent Monterey Peninsula in the background. "I know this event gives those of us left behind, the 'Gold Star Families,' solace and comfort knowing our sons' sacrifices are honored and remem- bered," says Stengle. The 2015 race takes place Saturday, October 24. Both runners and walkers are welcome to participate. Live music, a variety of delicious foods and a special appearance by the Santa Cruz Warriors basketball team's sea turtle mascot "Mav'Riks" round out the day. To register for the 3rd Annual Honor Our Fallen 10K/5K, visit www.hon- orourfallen10k.com —Michael Chatfield Runners at the Honor Our Fallen 10K/5K race in the name of military vets and those who have died in the act of service. Funds raised are donated to the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery Foundation and the Veterans Transition Center. Photo: Ruben Cota