Nov 17, 2013 2 min read

Say what you will about Walmart, but when it comes to its support of the Heroes Run/Walk in Greene County, its generosity is unmatched.

Last week, the retailer donated $2,500 to the families of two Greene County servicemen killed in Iraq, something the company has been doing for seven years. It’s being directed to memorial funds established in the names of Army Spc. Gregory Cox of Carmichaels and Marine Lance Cpl. Steven Phillips of Spraggs, both of whom were killed in Humvee accidents in Iraq. Cox, 21, died in September 2004, and Phillips, 27, died in February 2006.

The most telling aspect of Walmart’s commitment to this event was expressed by Jake Blaker, director of the county’s parks and recreation department. Prior to the presentation of the check to the commissioners, Blaker said, “Walmart wasn’t even in the county when this race started. They were the catalyst that got us started so we could have this run.”

This year’s Heroes Run/Walk along the Greene River Trail, raised $11,085 for the memorial funds. More than 250 runners, walkers and other contributors participated in the event. What makes Walmart’s contributions and the money raised by runners and walkers most remarkable is that the proceeds go toward scholarships created by the families of the two fallen soldiers.

The Spc. Gregory A. Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund assists Greene County high school graduates entering the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps or the fields of public safety or public service. The Lance Cpl. Steven Phillips Memorial Fund provides support for the computer-aided drafting program at the Greene County Career and Technology Center. Both funds are being handled by the Community Foundation of Greene County.

Race proceeds also help fund the cost of transportation for Greene County veterans receiving treatment at the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System clinic. The Greene County Department of Recreation coordinates the race with the Cox and Phillips families.

We have little doubt the success of the race would continue without Walmart’s support, but the fact the store continues to participate year-after-year speaks highly of its commitment to causes in the communities in which its stores are located.

Let’s hope Walmart’s involvement does continue and the number of runners and walkers who participate and the amount of money raised grows each year.