PHOTO: Firefighters Charissa Kerr and Capt. Mike Hughes at last year’s Miles for Mills 5K with Travis Mills (center). The Raymond firefighters ran the race in full gear, and plan to do it again this year. (Submitted photo)
BRUNSWICK – Maine firefighters Charissa Kerr and Capt. Mike Hughes ran last year’s Miles for Mills 5K in full gear and they’re doing it again in 2023. For the pair, who serve with the Raymond Fire Department, the Memorial Day 5K is more than just another road race.
This’s year’s Miles for Mills Memorial Day 5K begins at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 28, at Brunswick Landing, the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. At 11 a.m., following the race, there will be an after party at Flight Deck and Wild Oats.
Both Kerr and Hughes recognize the service of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for the United States. Hughes is a U.S. Army veteran, who retired after 24 years. His last post was as an instructor at U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Last year when Kerr and Hughes ran the Miles for Mills 5K, they gained attention from participants and spectators when they participated in full gear and pausing to honor each of the memorials on the course to the men and women who lost their life in service.
“For us, [Miles for Mills] is more of an event than a race,” said Kerr, who also is a firefighter with the Windham department. “It’s a way for us to pay our respects to those who’ve gone before us and to honor the sacrifices they made.”
The Miles for Mills 5K is an opportunity for the public to raise money for the recalibrated veterans served by the Travis Mills Foundation. But it’s also a chance to meet U.S. Army SSG (Ret.) Travis Mills and learn more about his mission since losing his limbs in an IED accident while in service.
“The Miles for Mills 5K helps to give our supporters a way to honor veterans and their families who have experienced life-changing injuries,” said Heather Hemphill, Travis Mills Foundation executive director. “Charissa Kerr and Capt. Michael Hughes are examples of true patriots who know what it’s like to serve a cause greater than themselves and we’re honored that they choose to take part in Miles for Mills.”
For more information, and to register for the race, visit milesformills.org.
