It will be a busy Saturday on Aug. 8, 2015 in Houlton, as a 5K run/walk and a memorial softball tournament will continue at Community Park.
The events will honor Aaron Henderson, a sergeant first class in the U.S. Army and a Special Forces soldier from Hodgdon killed by an improvised explosive device in October, 2012 while serving his country in Afghanistan.
The third annual Aaron Henderson Memorial Softball Tournament will begin on Friday, Aug. 7 and run through the weekend. The opening game of the tournament is at 7 p.m., followed by the second game starting at 8 p.m. Games will be played all Saturday and finish on Sunday, with the first game at 8 a.m.
The memorial softball tournament features 10 teams and is organized by Brad Fredericks. There has been a wide array of gifts donated for a raffle. The raffle items will be available at 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Winners will be drawn at noon on Sunday and will be notified by phone or presented their award at the park.
On Saturday, Aug. 8, the tournament continues alongside the first-ever SFC Aaron Henderson Memorial 5K Run/Walk.
The race kicks off at 9 a.m., beginning and ending at Houlton Community Park. Registration for the race will be held from 7:30-8:30 a.m. A pre-race presentation will be made at 8:30 a.m., with the run/walk starting promptly at 9 a.m.
Cost is $20 and the first 100 entrants receive t-shirts. Awards to follow the last finishers.
Division categories are: 10 and under; 11-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; and 60 plus.
Racers/walkers can pre-register by dropping off or emailing the sign up form to MACS Trading Post, 54 North St., Houlton.
Both the softball tournament and 5K run/walk proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project in Henderson’s name.
Fredericks said he had to do something to honor a great friend. He has continued this quest every year. The healing process, which began at Henderson’s funeral, came about through stories and laughter of great memories.
“We tried to think of a way that could bring us together for many years to come,” he said.
Scott Sjoberg, another close friend of Henderson’s not only noted losing him was a blow to the community, but so was experiencing the loss of others like Sgt. First Class Jonathan Lowry, Specialist Dustin Harris and First Lieutenant James Zimmerman.
“Let’s never forget the sacrifices our brothers and sisters in uniform make for the freedoms that we enjoy today,” Sjoberg added.
A large, patriotic trophy is on permanent display at the John Millar Civic Center.
Last year’s tournament raised $6,100 for the Wounded Warrior Project and in its first year, the tournament brought in more than $3,000.
