Academics for Veterans (A’s for Vets) will hold the first annual Virtual 5K Ruck ‘n Walk Challenge to honor and remember veterans during Veterans Appreciation Week, Nov. 8-15. A’s for Vets is an alliance formed by the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council consisting of Institutions of Higher Learning in the Lehigh Valley endeavoring to better assist veterans seeking education and support.

Join Lehigh Valley colleges and universities and community members as we Ruck or Walk to honor, remember and support veterans throughout the Lehigh Valley. Registration is free. Choose your challenge, choose your team, choose your route and submit your results! All registrants who submit their results by Nov. 15 will be entered to win one of ten $50 gift cards. The college or university team with the most miles submitted by team participants (Ruck and Walk combined) will earn a plaque to be displayed on their campus and bragging rights! Top Female and Male “Rucker” will win $100 gift cards.

Donations are welcome. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the VALOR Clinic Foundation a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides assistance in accessing benefits and shelter to military veterans with limited or no access to care.

The event is open to all student veterans and their families, other students, faculty, staff and the community at large. Register at https://runsignup.com/asforvetsvirtualrucknwalk.

The sponsor for this year’s event is the Air Products Foundation. Air Products is a proud community partner and is honored to sponsor this unique event to honor veterans.

For more information on this event, contact Melissa Baker at 610-285-5217 or http://a-for-vets.org/contact-us.

Contributed article