The 9/11 Houston Heroes Run was held Saturday (Sept. 12) at Ellington Airport. The largest Heroes Run in the state, it was attended by veterans, first responders, civilians and members of the military. This year’s event was the largest in the Run’s 5-year history.
The 9/11 Heroes Run unites communities internationally with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11 and in the wars since.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), which was founded shortly after the death of First Lt. Travis Manion in Iraq on April 29, 2007. The fallen Marine’s mother, the late Janet Manion, established the Travis Manion Foundation to, “Assist the nation’s veterans and families of the fallen. TMF engages with veterans and families of the fallen in all stages of their personal journeys and offers them unique opportunities to empower them to achieve their goals. TMF believes that the best way to honor the fallen is by challenging the living. TMF challenges veterans and survivors to lead the, ‘If Not Me, Then Who…’ movement and inspire others to continue the service to community and country exemplified by the nation’s fallen heroes,” according to the website.
Many local agencies were represented at the Run, including Galena Park Fire, Houston Police Dept., Texas Department of Safety, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, League City Police Dept., Pearland Police Dept. and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Several firefighters ran the race in full gear.
Officer Robert Manzo and wife Katie, Sgt. Derek Dunham, Christine O’Neil, Officer Chad O’Neil, Joanne Whitely and Officer Ryan Whitely (not pictured: Officer Jennifer Wozniak)
Pearland Police Dept. Running Team members Officer Chad O’Neil, Sergeant Derek Dunham, Officers Robert Manzo, Ryan Whitely and Jennifer Wozniak represented the City during the 5k race.
“It was a great experience, with overwhelming support shown for local military and first responders,” said Sgt. Dunham. “It made it even more special to be able to represent the Pearland Police Dept. with a team of fellow officers that are also veterans, alongside their families and friends.”
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office ran with a banner in tribute to their fallen brother, Deputy Darren Goforth, who was shot and killed while filling up his vehicle with gas on August 28.
The event was emceed by local DJ Scott Sparks, who was representing 107.5 The Eagle. The Texas Flying Legends Museum 
supplied a flyover before the event, and vendors from many agencies and first responder-supporter companies were on hand to give out information.
For more information about the Travis Manion Foundation, visit TravisManion.org.
