Local soldier Zach Salmon was killed by a sniper in Afghanistan during his 2010-2011 deployment. More than ten years later, his service is being honored at the seventh annual Zachary Salmon Soldier Run.
The public is invited to join Union’s adopted unit, local veterans, and those who served with Salmon to participate in a 5K race on Sept. 25, also known as Gold Star Mother’s Day – which recognizes mothers who have lost children in the Armed Forces.
Renee Cross, Salmon’s mother, said she is very grateful for the city’s recognition of her son.
“It means the world to me that the City of Union, the Adopt-A-Unit, volunteers and sponsors, and the wonderful participants in the race care so much to honor Zach’s service and sacrifice,” she said. “To help keep his memory alive and to continue to help our beloved Soldiers of 1-32 Cavalry.”
The City of Union, Kentucky adopted the Army unit from the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), at Fort Campbell in 2010. Chaired by city resident Kim Voss, the Adopt-a-Unit committee raises funds to send care packages, as well as support the Soldiers’ annual Christmas party, Spur Dinner, Bandits Ball, and the Zachary Salmon Scholarship fund.
“The City of Union Adopt-a-Unit is so proud to sponsor the seventh running of the SPC Zachary Salmon Soldier Run,” Voss said. “We have made lifelong friends with our soldiers of the 1-32 CAV at Fort Campbell and will continue to support them in various ways. We would love to have the Union community join us at the race and show our soldiers and Zach’s family that he is not forgotten.”
The Soldier 5K Run/Walk will take place on Sunday, Sept. 25, at the Boone County Arboretum, and it will begin at 9 a.m.