Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Run to Honor Pat Tillman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Run to Honor Pat Tillman
Pat's Run 2009 in AZ and CA Mirrored by Shadow Run in Afghanistan

NEW YORK - In honor of fallen U.S. Army Ranger and former NFL player Pat Tillman, members of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, will participate in Pat's Run 2009 in Tempe, Arizona (April 18th) and San Jose, California (April 25th).  To honor Pat's life and legacy, IAVA member veterans will also participate in a "shadow" run in Afghanistan (date TDB).  This is the first year IAVA will join Pat's Run as an official sponsor. 

"Pat's Run is a great opportunity for Americans to honor the courage, leadership and sacrifice of an extraordinary soldier," said IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff.  "Pat's life is an inspiration for all Americans, especially Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.  Seven and a half years after the attacks that inspired Pat to join the Army Rangers, troops are still fighting in Afghanistan. Pat's Run is an excellent time to honor the sacrifices of our troops and their families, and to ensure our veterans receive the support they have earned."

At the events in Tempe and San Jose, veterans and supporters from across the country will represent Team IAVA by donning grey shirts emblazoned with #42 - Pat's college football number.  Some will run in military formation and carry an American flag.  IAVA will donate proceeds from the t-shirt sales to the Pat Tillman Foundation.  

"As a fellow veteran, Sun Devil alum, and football fan, Pat's Run is something I look forward to all year," said IAVA Spokeswoman Cara Hammer.  "I have a deep admiration for Pat Tillman and the leadership he demonstrated.  It is with great honor that I run to celebrate the life and legacy of a true American hero."

• Pat's Run Tempe, Arizona, Saturday, April 18th, will take place at Arizona Sun Devil Stadium, Arizona State University Campus, 219 Packard Dr.  Registration begins at 5:00am, MT. Race kicks off at 7:00am MT.
• Pat's Run San Jose, California, Saturday, April 25th, will take place at Pat Tillman Stadium, Leland High School, 6677 Camden Ave. Registration begins at 6:00am, PT. Race kicks off at 8:00am PT.
• Pat's Run Afghanistan, Date TBD, will take place at FOB Gardez in the eastern region.

Established in 2005, Pat's Run is sponsored annually by the Pat Tillman Foundation (www.pattillmanfoundation.org), whose mission is to carry forward Pat's legacy by inspiring others to make positive changes in themselves and in the world around them. Last year, dozens of IAVA veterans from all over the country participated in this inspiring event.

Pat Tillman, a graduate of Arizona State University, put a successful NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals on hold to join the U.S. Army Rangers in 2002.  With his younger brother, Kevin, he served one tour in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.  On April 22, 2004, Pat was killed in action while serving in eastern Afghanistan.  Tillman was posthumously promoted from Specialist to Corporal and awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.

For more information on Pat Tillman and the Pat Tillman Foundation, please visit: www.pattillmanfoundation.org. To arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, IAVA Spokeswoman Cara Hammer, or a member veteran participating in either race, please contact Michael Houston at 212-982-9699 or michael@iava.org. 

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 125,000 veteran members and civilian supporters nationwide. Its mission is to improve the lives of this country's newest generation of veterans and their families.