Kids & Family

Chicago Heights Park District Hosts 'Run For The Troops' 5K

The first-ever run through the city benefits local troops.

By Mary Compton

After seeing a Run for the Troops race in California, Chicago Heights Park District Supt. Frank Perez thought Chicago Heights should host one.

On Saturday, May 31, his idea came to fruition.

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Almost 100 people signed up to walk or run in the first-ever Run For the Troops sponsored by the Chicago Heights Park District. There were students, teachers from District 170, veterans and supporters of the Troops.  

“We had a great turnout for our first 5K run," said Perez. "All the proceeds go to veterans locally and the USO of Illinois. The USO provides programs for veterans coming back, traveling through the airport, it’s a great program.”

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Perez and his two brothers are in the Army Reserve. Perez had been in the Army Reserve for 23 years. His brother, Jaime Perez, has served 21 years.  

“I’m doing this today for my brother, Staff Sgt. Humberto Perez, who is serving right now in Afghanistan," Jaime explained. "A resident of Chicago Heights, he has been there for five months now."

Jaime Perez told those who gathered for the 5K that 38 local people with his unit are in Afghanistan.

"Please write letters, send cookies, small items like this. You can drop them off at the Chicago Heights Park District. I served in Afghanistan, we all forget about freedom sometimes,” Perez said.


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