National Guard Support Group Hometown Heroes Race Sunday at Colonie Crossings Park

COLONIE, NY (09/18/2015)(readMedia)-- New York National Guard members and Capital Region runners will participate in the 8th Annual 'Hometown Heroes Run', a fundraiser sponsored by the New York National Guard Family Readiness Council this Sunday, Sept 20 at Colonie Crossings Park.

The run begins at 9:15 a.m. Runners may register at the South Pavilion at Crossings Park.

Registration is $25 for runners. Runners may register for the run at: http://www.nyfrc-inc.org/run_reg.html

The race, sponsored by the New York National Guard Family Readiness Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, will raise funds to benefit the families of National Guard service members across the state.

Members of the National Guard come under unique pressures when they are activated for federal or state duty in times of emergency. Unlike active duty military members, "Citizen Soldiers" do not live on or near military bases that can provide the range of support services to families during periods of separation.

The Council helps fill the financial void that is often created during periods of service deployments or separations for Citizen Soldiers. Military personnel are routinely supported by the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Family Program; however, as a state agency, they are prohibited from soliciting donations.

The New York National Guard has mobilized over 15,000 Soldiers and Airmen for active duty and deployed them to Iraq, Kuwait or Afghanistan, as well as supporting homeland security duties throughout New York State since September 11, 2001. The Family Readiness Counsel provides direct and indirect assistance to the family members of the New York Organized Militia through grant programs, family readiness workshops and education events as well as through family readiness outreach programs.

The 2015 "Hometown Heroes Run" is the 8th annual fundraising event of its type for the organization, drawing donations and support from runners, local veterans' organizations and local businesses.