Two Western Pennsylvania servicemen killed last year in Afghanistan will be honored during the second annual Fallen Heroes Run, set for Aug. 10 in Hempfield.
Beginning at 8:15 a.m. at the Z&M Harley-Davidson dealership on Route 30, the motorcycle run will pay tribute to Army Sgt. Jason McClary, 24, an Export-area native, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin, 25, of Hookstown, Beaver County. They were among service members taking part in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel who were killed by a Nov. 27 roadside bomb in Ghazni province.
The event is organized by Operation Vet NOW, a nonprofit veterans support organization that focuses on the health and wellness of veterans of all eras, specializing in combat-related stress and mental health issues. The nonprofit and the dealership are “putting our resources and talents together to recognize the fallen heroes,” said Tony Aubrey, an Air Force combat veteran with Operation Vet NOW.
The run costs $20 for riders and $5 for passengers. An Air Force Raptor vehicle with a Special Operations paint scheme and members of the Warriors of Chaos Veterans Motorcycle Club will lead participants to the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, located in Cecil, Washington County. The 911th Air Wing Honor Guard will conduct a mid-ride ceremony.
Pre-ride coffee and doughnuts will be available. Lunch will be served when the run concludes at Z&M.
After the ride, the dealership will host a veterans appreciation event featuring food, live music, military displays and information from veterans support organizations.
The Greensburg American Legion post will provide an honor guard for a ceremony honoring fallen service members and Gold Star families.
Visit opvetnow.org to register for the run. Questions can be addressed to Aubrey at tony@opvetnow.org or 412-347-1767.
