One Marine's memorial: day of racing to honor veterans' service
By Brad Knickerbocker
The Christian Science Monitor
May 29, 2010
When Rita and Ken Jerabek saw the men in uniform at their door one April morning in 2004, they knew their lives had changed forever. They were told that their son Ryan, not long out of high school and a Marine Corps private first class serving in Ramadi, Iraq, had been killed in an ambush.
Something would always be missing for the couple and for Ryan’s brothers. But a year or so later, Mrs. Jerabek came upon an idea she felt would honor her son’s memory while also helping others. She found it in his own words, back when he was a student at Pulaski High School near Green Bay, Wis.
In a speech class in 2002, he said: “I’d like to ask of you to thank those who fought and are fighting in the battles to keep this country at the pinnacle of freedom.” It became clear to Jerabek: “Ryan is wanting us to carry on what he had asked his fellow students to do.”
Three things came together as the idea developed: Ryan ran track in high school, staying in shape by running a four-mile route near the family’s home in rural Hobart, Wis.; he wanted to join the Marine Corps as soon as he graduated; and after military service, his plan was to go to college to become a high school history and social studies teacher.
In terms of carrying out something, “I didn’t know where to begin,” Jerabek says. But with the help of event planners and race organizers, Rita and Ken organized the first “Pfc Ryan Jerabek, USMC Memorial Challenge” – a four-mile footrace retracing Ryan’s training route. That was in 2006, when about 600 people participated. Since then, it’s become an annual event.
Last August, about 1,200 runners and walkers – children as well as adults – took part, including 18 marines from across the United States who had been in Ryan’s platoon. It was a five-year reunion for them.
Gold Star families – those who’ve lost somebody in war – have begun coming, too. “They’re able to introduce their loved ones to the group,” Jerabek says.
Proceeds from the event go to two causes Ryan and his family valued: the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, which provides financial assistance to those of all uniformed services injured in post-9/11 combat and training, and the Pulaski Community School Education Foundation Inc., which makes small grants (typically $500) to local teachers for books and other equipment or special projects. For 2009, the proceeds totaled $7,400.
Parallel runs have been held by about 100 service personnel and civilians – including the US ambassador to Iraq – in Baghdad’s Green Zone. Airmen at Dyess Air Force Base near Abilene, Texas, ran their own Jerabek Challenge. And about 80 sailors from the San Diego-based USS Green Bay went to the Marine Corps base at Camp Pendleton to run the race.
“It’s such an exciting day to see everybody gather in support of our troops, to remember the fallen, and to say ‘thank you’ to our military,” says Jerabek, who’s a nurse practitioner at a rural family practice clinic.
Rita Jerabek is also active with Operation Gratitude, which sends care packages to troops serving overseas, and with the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).
These days Rita and Ken Jerabek have new concerns as well. Their youngest son Nick followed in his older brother’s boot steps. He’s a Marine Corps corporal now serving in Afghanistan.
Has the Jerabek Challenge helped ease the loss of Ryan?
Pausing, Jerabek says, “Yes, it has.”
“Sometimes it’s overwhelming,” she goes on. “But then I remember that it’s helping other people, so it is healing for me. And for me, it was important to do something that I think Ryan would be really proud of.”
“It’s helped his brothers too,” she adds, noting that with the run Ryan’s friends, Marine Corps buddies, and a growing number of strangers “in a spiritual way are retracing his steps.”
This year’s race will be held Aug. 14.
Ryan Jerabek Challenge Run in Baghdad
WBAY.com
August 11, 2009
While more than a thousand runners took part in the fourth Jerabek Challenge Memorial Run in Hobart on Saturday, more than 100 servicemen and women and civilians ran their own Jerabek Challenge 6,000 miles away in Iraq.
The race honors the memory of U.S. Marine Private First Class Ryan Jerabek, who died in 2004 in Iraq.
Nineteen Wisconsin National Guard soldiers in the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and dozens more from across the International Zone ran a four-mile course at Forward Operating Base Prosperity, a military base in Baghdad.
They wore T-shirts sent to them by Jerabek's mother.
They ran in early-morning temperatures that were already in the 90s.
'We shed blood on the battlefield together'
By Charles Davis
Green Bay Press-Gazette
August 9, 2009
Ryan Jerabek's 'brother' Marines show up for Hobart run in his honor
HOBART — Ask Chris MacIntosh how many friends he lost in Iraq, and he can show you better than tell you.
Tattooed to the inside of both forearms are 21 names from the Marines E Company. On his right arm, the second name from the bottom reads "R. Jerabek."
"Kids go to high school and college together, but we shed blood on the battlefield together," said the 27-year-old from Boston.
MacIntosh joined his other platoon brothers for a reunion as they took part in the fourth annual Jerabek Memorial Challenge at Four Seasons Park in Hobart. An estimated 1,500 people registered, including companion runs in Iraq, California and Texas. Some company members walked, others ran, but all reflected on the time they spent overseas with Pfc. Ryan Jerabek.
He was killed in Iraq with 11 other Marines in an ambush in 2004.
Ryan Opeka, 27, from California, was Ryan Jerabek's squad leader.
"It had been too long since we've seen each other," he said. "What better place than here."
After the run, members from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, stopped at the park remembrance site for veterans.
"The atmosphere is amazing," said Dustin Cox, 26, from Fort Worth, Texas. "I'm going to start coming back for every one."
Crowds cheered before the race as 8-foot American flags lining the start line blew beneath a light rain.
Matthew Mroczynski, 20, of Pulaski took first place a second year in a row in a time of 20 minutes, 17 seconds.
"This is the most incredible day for this event," said Rita Jerabek, Ryan's mom. "It's so special to have Ryan's 'brother' Marines here today."
She called them his brothers because they shared a special bond.
Members described Ryan as shy at first but he opened up quickly and always talked about his family. Rita Jerabek still receives phone calls, cards and letters from well-wishers.
"It's a testament to this community," said Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, who ran the event last year.
Runners wore T-shirts with the challenge's new logo: a scanned image of the boot print Ryan wore in Iraq.
Lee Anderson, 69, of De Pere volunteered for his third year, this time handing out flags to finishers.
"Water's better if you got a flag," he told exhausted runners. Anderson's son is currently serving in Iraq.
"I hope in the next couple years I can get my son out here," he said. "We want him to come back."
Kimberly Piesler, 27, and her husband walked their 7-week-old daughter Katelyn along the route Pfc. Ryan Jerabek ran as he trained for boot camp.
Pieseler, of Casco, has a cousin in the Marines, a brother in the Afghanistan, another in the Army and one in the Air Force.
"We owe it to them and all the other men and women out there," she said of participating.
Michele DeBauch, 33, of Gillett came with her child and other family members. She has come for the last three years and completed the walk. She said the path is difficult due to down hills and a big uphill.
Ryan Jerabek "actually did the run, but I wasn't brave enough for that," she said.
2008 Jerabek Challenge Grant Recipients Announced
JerabekChallenge.us
Monday, November 10, 2008
Today...November 10th, is the 233rd Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. It is a very special occasion, celebrated each year by Marines world-wide. The Marine Corps was born on Nov 10,1775...one year prior to the birth of our Nation. Our Marines have proudly served our Nation through the worst conflicts imaginable and also have served in humanitarian missions with blood, sweat, honor, courage and commitment. They will continue to be the tip of the spear in the most dangerous of situations. We will always honor their sacrifices and the freedoms that they have provided to our Nation and people of other Nations around the world. They risk life and limb...always putting others first. The motto of the Marine Corps is Semper Fidelis which means "Always Faithful". Yes...faithful to our Nation at any cost.
It is with great pride that on the 233rd Birthday of the Marine Corps, we are able to extend a check for $10,000 to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and also a gift of grants to the teachers of the Pulaski School District in memory of 2003 Pulaski High School graduate, Pfc. Ryan Jerabek, United States Marine. Ryan courageously gave his life on April 6th, 2004 in Ramadi, Iraq. He was most proud of serving our Nation and also desired to become a teacher some day. His memory lives on through the teachers and students in the Pulaski district and the Marines & Sailors who so bravely have served and continue to serve us. Ryan would be honored to know that he continues to touch the lives of others.
We are grateful for the support, participation and spirit of volunteerism from those who have helped to make the Pfc. Ryan Jerabek, USMC Memorial Challenge a very special event. Through this event, funds have been generated for teacher grants and also to support the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund which assists injured Marines,Sailors and their families with expenses as their loved ones recover from injuries. This year we are proud to be able to donate $10,000 to that fund.
We are thankful for the hard work and dedication of teachers. They are instrumental in shaping the lives of children who are so precious to us and the future of our Nation. God bless them all as they strive to do their best each day. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the teachers who have applied for the grants. Hopefully, each year as our event continues to grow, we will be able to meet more of the requests.
CONGRATULATIONS to the following teachers and best of luck to them as they implement their projects with the students.
Pulaski Community High School:
Mr. Harley Griesbach Plastic Injection Molder/Tech Ed Dept $500.00
Pulaski Community Middle School:
Ms. Kathy Tennant Technology Integration/ Projector for teaching assistance $500.00
Mr. Dave Landers Science/physics/astronomy rocket project $450.00
Ms. Sarah Morgan "Boot Camp Tools"/ treadmill & weights $500.00
Mr. Ted Sarosiek Improving Memory and Physical Fitness/Social Studies $500.00
Sunnyside Elementary School:
Ms. Kelly Calaway & Ms Brenda Wertel
Literacy Independence Technology Equipment $500.00
Ms. Melissa Lange & Ms. Mary Marlowe Science/physics rocket project $500.00
Hillcrest Elementary School:
Amy Gee CD Listening Library/Literacy Improvement project $325.00
Lannoye Elementary School:
Linda Gantz K-2 Reading Support Program $200.00
Fairview Elementary School:
Angie Zimmerman Daily 5 Resources program/Literacy Improvement $500.00
Please mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Pfc. Ryan Jerabek, USMC Memorial Challenge to be held on August 8th, 2009 at 4 Season's Park in the Village of Hobart.
Respectfully,
Ken & Rita Jerabek
Aaron Jerabek
LCpl Nick Jerabek, USMC
A special thank you to all of our military and their families for their service to our Nation.
Runners pay tribute to Marine killed in Iraq
Participants in Memorial Challenge retrace Jerabek's steps
By Sara Boyd
Green Bay Press-Gazette
August 10, 2008
HOBART — Though it has been more than four years since his death, Pfc. Ryan Jerabek's presence was evident throughout the Marine's namesake Memorial Challenge on Saturday morning.
It was heard through his jingling dog tags, worn by his younger brother Lance Cpl. Nick Jerabek and older brother Aaron Jerabek. It was seen in the hundreds of T-shirts honoring his name. And it was felt in every step the participants took — a tribute to the route Ryan Jerabek ran every morning in preparation for boot camp.
As more than 1,000 participants awaited the start of the third annual four-mile run Saturday, it was this spirit that Hobart Village President Rich Heidel urged each runner to remember.
"With every one of our steps today, we retrace his steps and honor his memory," he said. "We are to remember that our sons and daughters … were willing to protect something more precious than their own lives. That's the theme today: sacrifice, which is what true patriotism is."
Jerabek and 11 other Marines were killed in 2004 in an ambush in Iraq.
For a number of participants — including more than 100 from the military, this was more than just a race. Airmen at the Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, were connected through a live feed to synchronize their own Jerabek Challenge.
Last year's top female runner, Rachel Kaminski, said it makes a person feel a sense of honor.
"It's something that really affects you," she said. "When you get up to the starting line, when they sing the national anthem, it really makes you reflect on the big picture — what the soldiers in our area do for us. You take a lot from it."
Sure, it's good practice for this year's winner, Matt Mroczynski — who finished at about 20 minutes flat — and his upcoming cross-country season, but he said he really just runs it for the Jerabeks.
Seeing those past participants, and new faces to the run, makes all the hard work worth it for Rita Jerabek, Ryan's mother.
"Just getting here and seeing all the enthusiasm of all the people of the community and everyone working together is very uplifting," she said. "It's all so positive and that just keeps me going."
A Run to Remember
Marinette native organizes special race in desert heat of Iraq
By Mike Desotell
Eagle Herald
July 2, 2008
MARINETTE — While many Americans light fireworks this Fourth of July, others will be lighting candles in memory of those who fought and died in the name of freedom. Ken and Rita Jerabek live in Hobart, a small community just outside Green Bay. The Jerabeks lost their 18-year-old son, Marine Pfc. Ryan Jerabek April 6, 2004, in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
“They told us his actions significantly contributed to saving the lives of eight of his fellow Marines,” said Ryan’s mom. “He was shot several times but got back up on his machine gun and kept fighting until he couldn’t fight any more.”
Those actions say a lot about who Jerabek was. “He couldn’t stay down,” Rita continued, “and he didn’t, he just kept fighting.” Jerabek received a Bronze Star posthumously for his heroism. During the dedication of a memorial to Jerabek at the family home several years ago, then Pfc. Peter Vargo of Marinette was a member of the detail that delivered the 21-rifle salute. Vargo is now a sergeant and is currently stationed in Iraq.
Vargo said he never knew Jerabek but once he learned more about how he lived and died he realized what a unique person and Marine he was. “Ryan was in the Marine Corps for less than a year and to be that young and to do what he did without any hesitation, this makes him a hero in my eyes,” he said. Since the dedication ceremony Vargo has kept up e-mail correspondence with the Jerabeks and has taken part in the annual Memorial Challenge, a four-mile run in Ryan’s memory. The run takes place in August and unfortunately for Vargo, he’ll be in the middle of a war zone and unable to take part in that event. But in the true can-do spirit of the Marine Corps, Vargo came up with a plan. Here’s a portion of an e-mail he wrote to the Jerabeks.
“On the day of the challenge I’m going to have my Marines as well as myself run four miles in honor of Ryan. ... I take a lot of honor and pride in running it every year so far and I’d really hate to miss a year. Ryan is a hero in many eyes, to include mine. He is not forgotten and I do want for you to know he will be honored here in Iraq in August as he will be there in Hobart.”
All was going well with the plans for the run in Iraq until Vargo got word he was going to be transferred to Fallujah, there was no way the military was going to allow a run in that hot zone.
“At that time I was at Camp Habbaniyah, Iraq, which is under the command of a different unit,” said Vargo. “Luckily that unit was very motivated by the idea.” Vargo said his heart dropped just thinking about having to tell the Jerabeks the event might not take place. “Instead, I just crammed all of the work that had to be done in a very short time and was able to knock it out,” he said.
When setting up a four-mile run in a desert war zone there are certain precautions you have to take like having armed guards, communications, emergency vehicles and a medical staff. There were also other details to attend to from making a sign to setting up liquid refreshments along the way. Once all that was accomplished final approval had to come from command. On the day of the event, 40 Marines and soldiers were at the starting line. Ryan’s mom asked Vargo to deliver the following message to them, “Run it in celebration of the lives of those who gave their life and also to celebrate the commitment they made to each other as brother Marines.” After the message there was a moment of silence for Ryan and then the race was on. Four miles over the hot desert sand and in 115 degree heat. The winning time of 18:37 came from Cpl. James Klein, a Marine from Green Bay.
Vargo said a lot of the participants didn’t know Jerabek but later looked him up on the Internet. Afterwards they shook his hand and thanked him for allowing them to be a part of the event. “They took a lot of honor and pride in running the race,” said Vargo. Jerabek’s father, Ken, was moved by Vargo’s efforts.
“This is just a tremendous story for Marinette,” he said. “I think Sgt. Vargo should be recognized to let the community know this is the kind of guy you have.” Rita Jerabek was choked up with emotion when recalling Vargo’s efforts. “I wrote to him that it just touched me so deeply there’s hardly words ...” She stopped for a moment to wipe a tear. “It is just more symbolic to me and there’s such a deeper meaning to having an event like this taking place in the country where he gave his life. There’s just no words to describe ...”
Vargo is the son of Doug and Jean Vargo of Marinette. Doug said he and his wife have never met the Jerabeks but they would like to. When asked about his son organizing the run in Iraq he said, “We’re very, very proud of him. I don’t see how a parent couldn’t be. On the other hand I’m concerned about where he’s at, the part of the world he’s in.” He’s not alone. The Jerabeks' other son, Nick, is a private in the Marine Corps stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. “We’re hoping he can come home to Hobart in August to be part of the run,” said Rita. “If he can’t he’ll be organizing a group of Marines to do the run at Camp Lejeune.” Money raised from the run supports the injured Marines Semper Fi Fund and teacher grants for innovative teaching experiences. “Our son wanted to be a teacher so now his memory will live on,” she said. It’s been four years since Jerabek was killed and time has been slow to heal the wounds.
“He was so special,” said Ken. “The thought of him not walking through the front door. He would have been done being a Marine now. He’d be teaching students now but it’s just not going to happen. He was a gentle young spirit, he will never be forgotten.” Rita said she’s been crying a lot more in the last three weeks but didn’t know why. “Even though I have cried more we have stayed strong, she said. “Tears don’t really necessarily mean that you’ve weakened. There’s days where you just cry more easily than other days but you just keep moving ahead and trying to do more positive things for the community.”
Memorial race honors Marine killed in Iraq
The Associated Press
Sunday Aug 12, 2007
HOBART, Wis. — Several hundred runners turned out Saturday morning for the second annual Ryan Jerabek Memorial Challenge, a race honoring a Wisconsin Marine who was 18 when he was killed in Iraq three years ago.
Marine recruits and veterans led the racers, retracing the path Jerabek frequently took as he trained for the military.
“That’s one thing they taught us in Marine Corps the years I served, is that you always be there for one another,” fellow Marine Paul Snover said.
Veteran Bob DeBeck ran with Jerabek’s dog tags around his neck.
“I never expected Ken [Ryan’s father] to do this on my behalf and this is just so special,” DeBeck said. “I’ll wear this with honor today.”
Ken Jerabek stood at the finish line cheering and greeting everyone who passed, including DeBeck.
“He’s been such an inspiration for me,” the father said. “He’s a five-time cancer survivor and a veteran.”
Ryan Jerabek joined the Marines a month after graduating from Pulaski High School. He had been in Iraq for about four weeks when he was killed in April 2004. He was later awarded the Bronze Star.