CONTACT: Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo, 518-786-4581

FOR RELEASE: Saturday, Jun 20, 2009

ON SITE: Mr. Eric Durr 518-429-5186

WHO:

t 200 New York Army and Air National Guard members and community runners.

WHAT:

LATHAM, NY (06/19/2009)-- Dozens of National Guard and community runners will participate in the 2nd annual 'Hometown Heroes Run', a fundraiser sponsored by the New York National Guard Family Readiness Council on Saturday, June 20th at Colonie Crossings Park. WHAT: The 'Hometown Heroes Run' sponsored by the New York National Guard Family Readiness Council, a 501c (3) non-profit organization, will raise funds to benefit the families of National Guard service members across the state. The event also includes a one-mile Fun Run for Kids.

WHEN:

Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Crossings Park of Colonie, 580 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, NY 12211

COVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES: Imagery of runners preparing and running the 5k race and a one-mile Fun Run for Kids. Interview opportunities include, Mrs. Susan Taluto, President of the New York National Guard Family Readiness Council and wife of Major General Joseph Taluto, Adjutant General of New York and members of the National Guard and community runners.

BACKGROUND:

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. "This is a great opportunity for our communities to interact with and support our military personnel" said, Susan Taluto, President of the New York National Guard Family Readiness Council. "The Council steps in and bridges the gap between what the National Guard can and can not do to support families as a state agency." All proceeds from the fund raising event go directly to the Council to benefit military families. The New York National Guard has mobilized over 11,000 Soldiers and Airmen for active duty and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as 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 2009 "Hometown Heroes Run" is the 2nd annual fundraising event of its type for the organization, drawing donations and support from runners, local veterans' organizations and local businesses. Runners can sign up for the USA Track and Field (USATF) certified 5K race at www.nyfrc-inc.org or at the race site from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. on June 20, 2009. Advance registration fee for the 5K race is $20.00. Race day registration fee is $25.00. Registration fee includes race, refreshments and T-shirt. Registration fee for a 1-mile children's race is $10.00. Ribbons will be awarded to all participating children.