Over 300 people attended the America’s Mighty Warrior Military Run on October 12.
The race began in view of the World War II Museum in Clermont’s Historic Village. Some participants competed in the time Patrol and “Recon” which consisted of 2-miles and 5 physical training stations, others in the “Assault”, a 4 miles with 10 physical training stations, others preferred to just run.
The organizer and MC of the yearly event, Josh Castleman said, “it gives us a chance to rally around local veterans and service members and let them know that they are loved and appreciated. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge some of the difficulties our service members face in their everyday lives and to do something to help them”.
Josh, a life-long resident of South Lake County, was watching the History Channel on Veterans Day 2016, when a clip aired on The America’s Mighty Warriors (AMW) charity. His friend, an Army Ranger who was medically retired after being injured by a roadside bomb, had recently shared some of the difficulties he was dealing with. The issues that he was facing were the same issues as AMW was working to address (PTSD and Traumatic Brain-Injury). Josh became motivated. He decided to contact Debbie Lee (founder of AMW) to see if he could organize an event to raise money and awareness for their organization as well as honor the community’s local veterans and service members. The conversation inspired him to begin organizing an event that would bring awareness and recognition of our local men and women who provided service to our country.
The US Naval Sea Cadets Corps, Clermont Battalion, kicked off the event by presenting the colors. Katlyn Sahad of Lakeside Church sang the national anthem.
MARC A. LEE NAVY SEAL, Killed in Action on AUG 2, 2006.
Josh introduced Gold Star mom and founder of America’s Mighty Warriors Debbie Lee. Lee emotionally shared the ultimate sacrifice that her son, Marc Lee, made for his country and for his fellow SEALs who he was trying to protect. She expressed the importance of the recognition and gratitude that America should pay to their military heroes.
Mike Stout, Army Ranger, Command SGT Major introduced some amazing veterans and service members.
WWII Veteran, Charles Konsler
Charles Konsler was a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corps. He reported for active duty in January of 1943 at the age of 19. He flew 65 missions during WWII. He helped create the WWII Museum here and also volunteers.
WWII Veteran, Frank Klum
Frank Klum served in the Army Air Corp & US Army Air Force in WWII. He joined in 1941 at the age of 18. And retired in 1962 as a Master SGT in the US Air Force.
WWII Veteran, Chet Brown
Chet Brown registered on Dec 8, 1942, with the Marine Corp, but failed the physical due to a knee injury sustained in high school football. So the recruiter signed him with the Navy. He served in the US Navy as an Advanced Machinist Mate from May 
1943 – November 1945.
Korean War Veteran, Dominick Molinaro
Dominick Molinaro served during the Korean War in 1950 as Private 1st Class in the U.S. Army. He also helped create the WWII museum here and he volunteers.
Representing the U.S. Air Force: Senior Master Sergeant Davis Watkins
Senior Master Sergeant Davis Watkins retired after serving 22 years of active duty as an F-16 Fighting Falcon Maintenance Crew Chief. Sergeant Watkins deployed on 9 separate combat deployments supporting multiple theaters of operation in the Middle East. After retirement in 2016, he accepted a job at Eustis High School as the Air Force Junior ROTC instructor.
Representing the Army: Bob Farrell
Bob Farrell joined the Army at the age of 17 in 1967. He served in Vietnam and Germany. Bob is also the quartermaster of the Clermont VFW and helped get this event started almost 3 years ago.
Representing the Army: Michelle Craske
Michelle Craske is a U.S. Army Airborne combat veteran. She served 8 years total with 4 of them being in combat zones in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. She now enjoys her role as Director of Community Relations for Sommer Sports and is a proud Clermont Tri Club member!
Representing the Coast Guard: Lew Hirtzel
Lew Hirtzel served active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1976 to 1982 and then served as a reservist. He served in New Jersey, Alaska, and Miami in search and rescue and patrol.
Representing the Marines: Joe Sparrow
Joe Sparrow served 3 tours in Vietnam covering 4 calendar years from 1966-1970. He served in the infantry and as a truck driver. He is currently a proud member of the VFW, the Church at South Lake, and Iron Men of God.
Representing the Marines: Staff Sergeant Osorio
Staff Sergeant Osorio has served for 9 years including 3 tours—1 of which was in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He has served as an artilleryman, martial arts instructor and is currently a recruiter here in Clermont.
Representing the Navy: Jim Pickering
Jim Pickering served active duty in the Pacific from 1976-1982 followed by 15 years in the reserves. While on active duty, he was the intelligence officer in a dive bomber squadron and then served in the 7th Fleet submarine force.
Nic Johnson, a former high speed 82nd Airborne Paratrooper, was the official timer of the race.
Participants included:
UCF AFROTC (team and 12 volunteers), USF AFROTC, Eustis HS AFJROTC. Teams from Mt. Dora, Leesburg, Oak Ridge, Minneola Charter, East Ridge Middle School, Clermont Police and its Chief of Police Chuck Broadway
Command SGT Major Stout demonstrated how to do the exercise stations which included: Air Force: 20 pushups, Army: 30 sit-ups, Coast Guard: 30 jumping jacks, Marines: 20 burpees, Navy: 30 squats.
AMERICAN’S MIGHTY WARRIOR EVENT
To learn more about American Mighty Warrior and how you can help, visit AMW
