Heroes Run in Lockport, IL on July 28

Pam Meister out in New England is doing a better job than I am keeping an eye on running-related events in the Chicago area.

On Saturday, July 28, the first Heroes Run will take place in Lockport, Illinois to raise money for the children of Captain Travis Patriquin, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq last December.

Patriquin gained international attention when he created this simple yet brilliant PowerPoint presentation, How to Win in al-Anbar.

Register to enter the race here.

Sadly, I don't think I can make the race, since I'm planning to be out of town.

Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn, whose name is eerily similar to that of the falled captain, attended Patriquin's memorial service in January, and the Catholic Explorer showed a side of Quinn that isn't often presented to the public.

"He had a servant’s heart and an ethic of unconditional service," commented Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn during a telephone conversation with the Catholic Explorer. The state leader acknowledged that he didn't have the honor of knowing Patriquin in his earthly life, but still applauded the soldier’s deeds. He complimented the Arabic-speaking soldier for befriending the men, women and children he protected in Iraq.

Quinn recalled attending a memorial service for the fallen soldier Jan. 6, 2007, at St. Dennis Parish. Since entering the office of lieutenant governor in 2003, he has represented the people of Illinois at many of the funeral services for the 164 soldiers from Illinois that have been killed in action since Sept. 11, 2001. “These are men and women that love this country more than themselves,” said Quinn.

He spoke in awe of the sacrifice that service men and women make for the country and offered some comfort to those who are grieving. Quinn reflected, "Our faith teaches us, those who are Catholic and non-Catholic, we will see them again." The politician, who attends St. Giles Church in Oak Park and Old St. Mary’s Church in Chicago, continued, "Faith is all we have to hold on to."

In 2003, Quinn returned to his elementary school, St. Isaac Jogues School in Hinsdale, to dedicate a plaque in honor of a fellow classmate, Lance Cpl. Lester Webber, who died in 1969 in Vietnam. He commented, "It’s bearing witness when a hero passes."

Quinn has performed superbly in his support of the troops.

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