Nov 15, 2012 2 min read

WAYNESBURG – Representatives from Wal-Mart, the major sponsor of the 2012 Heroes Run/Walk, Thursday presented the families of two Greene County servicemen killed in Iraq with a check for $2,500. The donation, along with all other sponsorships and race proceeds, will benefit memorial scholarship funds established in the men’s honor.

The sixth annual Heroes Run/Walk, held Sept. 15 on the Greene River Trail, raised about $15,000 for 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. More than 300 runners and walkers turned out for the event.

Presenting the check from Wal-Mart, which has been a major sponsor every year since the race started, were Marcy Park, Wal-Mart district manager, and Steve Beres, store manager of the Waynesburg Walmart. John and Mary Anne Cox accepted the check on behalf of their son’s scholarship fund; Jim and Paulette Phillips were unable to attend Thursday’s presentation.

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 in Pittsburgh. The Greene County Department of Recreation coordinates the race with the Cox and Phillips families.

The seventh annual Heroes Run/Walk is scheduled for Sept. 21, 2013, on the Greene River Trail. For more information, call the county department of recreation at 724-852-5323.