Swampscott to hold fundraisers for fallen soldiers

SWAMPSCOTT – Fundraisers are being held in memory of two local heroes who were killed in action.U.S. Army Specialist Jared Raymond was killed in action on Sept. 19, 2006 while serving with the 1st Battalion 66th Armored Regiment 4th Infantry Division in Iraq. He was the first Swampscott military casualty in the Iraq War. Not long after Raymond died, the town lost another local hero in the war. Capt. Jennifer Harris was killed in Iraq on Feb. 7, 2007 when the helicopter she was piloting was shot down by enemy insurgents.Veterans Agent James Schultz said both fundraisers are wonderful events that would benefit current members of the military, veterans and youth in the community alike.The Jared Raymond Memorial Fund Committee will be holding a 5K Road Race on Saturday, Sept. 20. The race will get underway at 9:30 a.m. at Swampscott High School and registration is $20 per runner. Organizers said walkers and strollers are welcome but pets, Rollerblades and bikes are prohibited for safety reasons.Schultz said money from the road race would be used to provide scholarships to Camp Rotary, college scholarships for individuals pursuing a career in law enforcement and to send packages to troops overseas.The first annual U.S. Marine Capt. Jennifer J. Harris Motorcycle Ride will be Sunday, Oct. 5. The 50-mile ride and will start at Fuddruckers on Route 1 in Saugus and end at The American Legion Post on River Street in Middleton. Registration for the ride will be from 8:30 to 11 a.m. The entry fee is $20 for riders and $10 for passengers. Awards will be given for “most patriotic bike” and to the person who travels farthest to participate in the ride. There will be a barbecue and entertainment at the American Legion beginning at noon. A $10 donation is requested for non-riders. Additional information on the motorcycle ride is available by calling 978-974-0128 or emailing [email protected] said proceeds from the ride would go to the Wounded Warriors Project and scholarships for Swampscott students.”I know times are tough for everybody,” he said. “But I would encourage anyone who can to support these two events. It is a good way to pay tribute to two local people who gave their lives for our country.”