Run to Remember

Most college track and field athletes train and compete to better personal best times or to help their team to league championships but Alfred State sophomore Michael Girard (Phoenix) runs to remember a fallen friend and hero.

Girard might be a few years younger than his friend and relative Kyle Schneider but he has become active in the Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider Foundation after the events of June 30, 2011. On June 30th, Schneider, a fire team leader for 3rd Platoon, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, was killed in action, while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Sangin. Schneider, who was 23-year-old, enlisted in the Marine Corps in March of 2008.

Girard said it was easy to join the cause. "My mother is cousins with Kyle's father (Rick Schneider) and my aunt and mother are a big part in the foundation, so it is a family foundation. In short it is a way to help others that are very close to me because of family." 

Recently, Girard hosted the 2nd Cpl. Kyle Schneider Alfred State Run and Remember 5K to honor his friend. The race raised money for the foundation to support and honor our military men and women through various initiatives focusing on families of the fallen, deployed members of the armed forces, and wounded heroes.

"I started the 5K last year because I became part of the foundation my junior year in high school and when I left for college there was no way I could travel back to my hometown to help the foundation as much as I wanted to. So being a runner, this just seemed like a perfect opportunity. The 5k is also a way for me to thank my Aunt and Uncle (Lorie and Rick) for what they have done in my life and how they changed it."  

"The 5K has taught me so much both about being a leader and planing and organizing an event. As for being a leader it has taught me that if you want to do something bad enough then you will find a way. The 5K has taught me about myself in ways I can't even describe. One of which is that I am very fortunate with my life and so I will do anything I can to help other people.

The Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider Foundation will focus on giving aid to the military community and military support groups both locally and nationally. We will also aid and support community needs as they arise.

For more information on the Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider Foundation visit: http://www.cplkyleschneider.com/