To the Editor:

I am proud to report that our very first Lt. Mark H. Dooley -5K- “Race of Remembrance” in Wilmington was a wonderful success and fitting tribute to one of Vermont’s fallen soldiers. We had over 200 runners and walkers participate in the race which will surely put the event on the map for next year.

We were honored by the attendance of Mark Dooley’s family as well as families of other Vermont fallen soldiers, Spc. Christopher S. Merchant, of Hardwick, (KIA March 1, 2006); and Sgt. Jamie A. Gray, of Montpelier, (June 7, 2004). The presence of these families added extra meaning to the significance and purpose of our cause, that the brave men and women who have fallen in service to our country be remembered for their sacrifice.

I’d like to thank our sponsors: Dot’s of Wilmington; Chelsea Royal Diner; Brattleboro Savings & Loan; Trust Company of Vermont; 4 Seasons Foam Insulators of New England; North Real Estate; Cady & Dugan, P.C.; and Entergy-Vermont Yankee.

Chef Manager Joseph Gerardi did a terrific job putting together an amazing breakfast with the help of the Yellow Ribbon Group of Brattleboro.

Thanks are owed to our dedicated volunteers: Mark Siner, Bonnie Clark, Susan Stradecki, Cathy Goodell, Laura Sibilia, Phil Bowen, Leigh Thomson, Candace Caggiano, Linda and Roger Aiken, Gail Christmas, Tom and Manya Crosby, Lynn Lundsted, Melinda Lundsted, Glenn Tucker, Chuck Putnam, Cody Yule, Tanner Yule, Weston Yule, Tanya Sparano, Bob and Janet Murano, Val Harlow, Emily Gerardi, Deb Derrig, and the members of the Yellow Ribbon Group (Becky and Brian Cleveland, Karen Campbell, Mavis Boggio, Megan Collins, Elaine Dietrich, Terry Livingtson, and Stephanie Talbot).

I’d like to also thank the following: the Windham County Sheriff’s Department; Brattleboro Police; Chewy Littleton and Frank Indelicato of Lane Construction; Burlington Police Department; Officers Mike Hemond and Paul Fabiano who rode two full-dress Harley Davidson police motorcycles from Burlington to provide a race escort; the Molly Stark State Park; Deerfield Valley Rescue; Colby Dix, of Vermont Geeks; the American Legion; and all the unnamed donors, volunteers, and supporters. Race results can be found on www.coolrunning.com.

See you next September!

Find out more at www.markdooley5k.com.

Sincerely,

Greg Murano

Wilmington