Honoring Veterans Through Community: Sauk Valley Freedom 5K

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Eric Valdez and Melissa Erdmier from Sauk Valley Community College to talk about the 6th Annual SVCC Freedom 5K — a fun run/walk that gives back to those who served.🏃‍♂️ Event Details:When: Saturday, November 15th at 9:00 a.m.Where: Sauk Valley Community College campusRegistration Fee: $30 — proceeds support the SVCC Student Veterans Organization and student veterans in need🎁 Register before November 1 to receive a free t-shirt!👉 Register now at: svcc.edu/freedom5kJoin the community this Veterans Day weekend to run—or walk—for freedom and help make a difference in the lives of local veterans. Eric, a veteran himself, shares his personal story and passion for helping fellow service members, while Melissa gives an inside look at what it takes to organize this inspiring event.👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more local stories from Rock Falls and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:00:36 – What is the Sauk Valley Freedom 5K?01:03 – Supporting Student Veterans Through the 5K01:18 – How SVCC Helps Veteran Students Year-Round02:19 – From Veteran to Veterans Coordinator02:55 – The Mission Behind the Freedom 5K03:12 – How the 5K Has Evolved Over Six Years03:45 – Running the Event In-House & Fundraising for Veterans04:10 – Custom Shirts and Fun Run Details04:26 – Anyone Can Participate – Walk or Run!04:37 – The Unique Course Around Sauk Valley’s Campus05:52 – The Meaning Behind the Event for Veterans Day Weekend06:09 – Course Mix: Off-Road and On-Road Experience06:17 – The Runner Who Went the Wrong Way!07:22 – Perspective as a Runner & Volunteer07:35 – How Non-Runners Can Support the 5K07:58 – Event Growth and Community Feedback09:09 – How to Register or Get Involved09:36 – Fun Question: Post-5K Go-To SnackFollow us on all social media platforms below:https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepresshttps://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHkhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/https://rumble.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepresshttps://x.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress#SaukValleyCommunityCollege #Freedom5K #VeteransDay #SupportOurVeterans #SVCC #CommunityEvent #5KRun #IllinoisEvents #VeteransSupport #SaukValley #RunForACause #CollegeCommunity #dixon #illinois #sauk valley #local news #along the rock #radar free press #video podcast