Ocean City family salutes fallen veterans with Memorial Beach Challenge course
OCEAN CITY — Hundreds of athletes young and old, as well as other brave souls maybe not quite as fit but with an abundance of patriotism in their hearts, tackled the Memorial Beach Challenge on May 24 to pay tribute to military veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
Under blue skies with a stiff breeze, the event, which was founded by island residents Mike and Amie Vaules in 2012, provides financial support to military families through its partnership with 31Heroes and creates awareness of the sacrifice military families endure, according to the event website.
The main Obstacle Course Challenge is a soft-sand adventure race featuring U.S. Navy SEAL-approved obstacles and a popular Kids Fun Run.
“Beyond the races that test our own physical and mental strength, the day is about honoring those whose sacrifice, strength and bravery help preserve the freedom we enjoy every day,” said Jason Barnes, president of the 31Heroes board of directors.
On Aug. 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community when America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community, and one military K9 when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.
Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action, 31Heroes specializes in creating programs, financial support systems and future opportunities for service members, veterans and their families.
The morning began with Barnes reading a letter from the Vauleses, who could not be present this year.
The letter stated the couple had two goals when they began the event 13 years ago — to support veterans and their families as they returned home from difficult deployments and help a new generation to understand the true meaning of Memorial Day.
“It’s not just a long weekend or a day off, it’s a solemn day to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms,” the letter stated.
“Thanks to the incredible support of this community, participants, volunteers and the city, we have exceeded even our most ambitious hopes,” it stated. “From the bottom of our hearts, Amie and I want to thank each and every one of you for standing behind 31Heroes and for making this event such an important and inspiring way to begin Memorial Day weekend here in Ocean City.”
They were not present for the event because they were attending a ceremony for their nephew.
“Thirteen years ago, our nephew Ryan was a 9-year-old running in the kids race alongside our 7-year-old daughter Isabella. Today, Ryan is graduating from West Point and being commissioned into the United States Army. His very first salute will come from Isabella. It’s a full-circle moment that brings everything we have worked for into focus,” the letter stated.
On the beach alongside the Music Pier, a military color guard presented colors and a pipe and drum corps played “God Bless America.”
More than a few tears were shed during a heartfelt rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by island native Taylor Pontari.
Ocean City Beach Patrol Lt. AJ Oves rowed a lifeboat out to sea, where fellow lifeguard Jay Stokes tossed a wreath into the waves while the competitors awaited the starting gun.
Finally, a bugler played Taps, striking a poignant chord for an event honoring the nation’s lost heroes.
Todd Kline, who retired from the U.S. Navy after 23 years and serves on the 31Heroes board, said the challenge is cathartic for veterans.
“There is power in community. There’s an intangible connection — winks and nods, certain vocabulary — a type of bond, being able to come together and enjoy a little exercise together, which is something we had to do at the same time,” he said. “You go through communal adversity, overcome something and get a chill at the end. There is an emotional aspect to doing that.”
He said it’s more of a group effort than a race.
“If you stumble, somebody’s right there to pick you up,” Kline said.“You’ll have strangers using creative language to encourage you on in the best way possible. You don’t have to have the name to know they’re a brother or sister in arms.”
Barnes, who has been a member of the board since 2015, said some competitors are veterans while others take part because they have military service members in their families and still others just to support a cause.
“It’s everybody from all walks of life,” he said. “The first 50 are competitors and the rest are here for the cause.”
He said children receive an American flag when they complete the youth challenge.
“It’s a great opportunity to teach our kids the real meaning of Memorial Day and love of country and inspire patriotism,” Barnes said.
Jessica Hubert, a 25-year-old from Montgomeryville, Pa., who played basketball at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, participated “just to support vets.”
It was her first time but she said she loves to run and “sought this race out.”
“I like doing the obstacles,” she said, noting she had competed in other such challenges in the past.
Hubert said she comes from a military family. One of her brothers is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the other serves in the National Guard.
“They give their life basically for this, so if I can do a little run,” she said.
Cassie Francis of Gloucester City was with sister Erin Francis and AJ Parent, getting ready to challenge themselves on the obstacle course.
“It’s a worthy cause,” Parent said.
They were all new to the experience and looking forward to the challenge.
“What’s important about today is it’s about those who were left behind. Veterans Day in November is when they are thanked for their service. Today we honor those that unfortunately are not here,” Barnes said.
“And that’s often lost,” Kline said.
– STORY by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
– PHOTOS by DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff4
