Run memorializes Marine, honors other U.S. veterans; 1,000 register for second annual event
HOBART — Nothing against Jeff Pentek or Matt Mroczynski, the top two finishers at Saturday morning's Pfc. Ryan Jerabek, USMC Memorial Challenge in Hobart.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070812/GPG0101/708120662/1978
By Thomas Rozwadowski
trozwado@greenbaypressgazette.com
August 12, 2007
But it was hard to focus on anything but Ken Jerabek's enthusiasm as he slapped hands and saluted runners while pacing beneath a finish line banner that read, "Support Our Troops, Thank Our Vets, Honor Our Fallen."
"I know they're looking at it from the father's perspective. The father who lost his son in Iraq. Ryan was so special, so unique, and everyone in Wisconsin knows his story," said Jerabek, who on more than one occasion implored runners to "finish strong" as the end neared.
"But really, I just can't thank these people enough for being here. My being out front is one way for them to understand what the run is about."
At its core, the second annual Jerabek Memorial Challenge was about bringing people together so they could celebrate and remember the troops. Take Pentek, for example, a cross country standout at St. Norbert College whose first-place finish at 20:20 was a nice notch in his training for the upcoming season. Then again, Pentek couldn't deny that participating in the 4-mile run meant a bit more than other aspects of his workout regimen.
Maybe it was the patriotic music blaring on speakers throughout Four Seasons Park.
Maybe it was the resounding ovation that greeted a group of Marines as they charged to the finish line in unison.
Maybe it was the widespread support displayed through T-shirts bearing the name of Ryan, who was 18 when he was killed with 11 other Marines in an ambush in Ramadi, Iraq, on April 6, 2004.
"My dad is a Navy reservist, and I mean, it's really great that this many people can get together for this kind of cause," Pentek said. "Even though we were just running, it's something, I think, all of us were paying attention to."
Event organizers said roughly 1,000 runners registered for Saturday's race, with an extra boost from special guest Marines like Sgt. Peter Vargo of Marinette and Lance Cpl. David Nickerson of Rhinelander, both reservists based in Ashwaubenon.
"As far as Marines go, we're all a brotherhood. We're here for each other all the time. For us to run for a fallen Marine, it's an honor for us," Nickerson said.
While combing the grounds looking for ways to offer help, Chuck Tappa also reflected on the uniqueness of the cause.
"It's very moving to be here," said Tappa, of Hobart, a neighbor of the Jerabeks. "It's to honor the veterans. Honor those who didn't make it back. Honor those who ever really served."
The last observation particularly rings true, with Ken and Rita Jerabek's youngest son, Nick, leaving today for boot camp in San Diego. Nick, 19, politely declined comment, appearing to not want the day to be about his following in Ryan's footsteps.
"I told him, 'I'll see you in 13 weeks,'" Ken Jerabek said. "It was a tremendous tribute for Nick to run today, and the outpouring of support by the community for my sons, my family, is greatly appreciated."