The seventh annual Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan Remembrance Run will take place Nov. 12, honoring the fallen soldier and raising funds for a local high school and a Marine Corps event.
Sullivan, 40, gave his life while defending his country on July 16, 2015, during an attack on a naval reserve center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was a three-time Purple Heart recipient, received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal and was an Iraq veteran.
“I wanted to honor my brother in a way that preserved his memory, continued to develop and invest in our community and supported the military and the country for which Tommy gave his life,” said his brother, Joseph B. Sullivan.
The 5k run/2-mile walk will take place at East Forest Park’s Nathan Bill’s Bar & Restaurant this Veterans Day weekend.
Proceeds will benefit the GySgt Sullivan Scholarship Fund at Pope Francis High School and the Galaxy Council support of the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
Thomas J. Sullivan, 40, of Springfield, was killed in a terror attack July, 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.File photo
Joseph Sullivan, co-owner of Nathan Bills, said his older brother was duty-oriented, always looking out for him and protecting and helping those in need. He wants to “honor my brother’s memory and keep his legacy alive through helping the community.”
He said he chose recipients of the fundraising effort that were “very near and dear to my brother’s heart.”
Pope Francis High School is on the site of the former Cathedral High School in Springfield where he and his brother attended high school. The Galaxy Council donation goes to the local Marine unit for its annual ball.
In addition, “physical fitness was important to Tommy,” Joseph said. “Anytime he was on leave from the Marines he would be seen in town by old friends either at the gym or running the streets of East Forest Park.”
Registration for the Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan Remembrance Run will begin at 8:30 a.m.; the race begins at 10 a.m.
The cost is $25 in advance and $30 on the day of race.
Participants and donors can register on the run’s website.
