“Milton welcomes and wraps its arms around our military community,” shared Mayor Guy Thompson. “What a great event this is to recognize all of you for doing what you do for us.”
With over 500 participants , the third annual Thomas Cameron Memorial 5K filled the streets of downtown Milton on Saturday, June 14. “We have participants here today in Milton from all 50 United States, four countries: Japan, Germany, Canada, and Italy and also two US territories: Guam and Puerto Rico,” beamed event organizer Glen Hill.
Hill, along with The Blackwater Bistro, passionately support area military and recognize the sacrifice they make. Thus the Thomas Cameron Memorial 5K was created to honor Cameron’s life and to provide funds to support what he valued most: children, athletic activities and the Coast Guard.
In November of 2011, Lieutenant Junior Grade Thomas Cameron earned his Wings after the completion of his helicopter training. While stationed at NAS Whiting Field the 24-year-old Cameron resided in the Whiting Fields Housing Complex where he was known for his love of sports and physical activity. Cameron would often engage area children into exercising and sports. His passion to help others was also demonstrated by his participation in tutoring sessions for young men who had been released from jail and wanted to obtain their General Education Diploma.
Cameron passed away in February of 2012 while participating in a training exercise over Mobile Bay.
Hill recognized two squadrons from NAS Whiting Field’s HT18 and HT8 for having equal entries from their units supporting the race.
First place winners and their results in the 2014 Thomas Cameron Memorial 5K:
Male overall:Michael Haas 17:14
Female overall: Mollie Breen 19:56
Male winners by age category:
Jacob Lipski 23:05 Junior under 17
Alex Schueckler 17:38 18-39
John Fitzgerald 21:04 Grand Masters
Joseph Sanderson 24:31 Senior Masters
John Renfron 26:59 Senior Grand Masters over 70
Female winners by age category:
Alexandria Schmadeke 32:52 Juniors under 17
Sarah Blatt 21:21 Masters 18-39
Michele Williams 21:04 Grand Masters
Susan Smith 21:37 Senior Masters 55-69
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Runners fill downtown Milton streets for memorial 5K