Joel Gentz
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Past event
9:30 AM EDT
West Lafayette, Indiana
Free · 1 race
5km
Event summary
Join us for the inspiring Joel Gentz 5k on Saturday, April 27, 2024, in West Lafayette, Tippecanoe, at Purdue University. This vibrant event honors the brave service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, celebrating the remarkable legacy of Captain Joel Gentz, a distinguished Purdue alumnus and U.S. Air Force officer.
Participants will not only enjoy a spirited race but also contribute to the Joel Gentz Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a deserving Air Force ROTC student who embodies Joel's spirit. The 5k will feature awards for the top male and female finishers across various age groups, and all participants can look forward to free food and refreshments after the race. With registration available on race day and a special T-shirt for donations of $20 or more, this event promises to be a day of camaraderie, remembrance, and community spirit. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor a hero and support future leaders!
Participants will not only enjoy a spirited race but also contribute to the Joel Gentz Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a deserving Air Force ROTC student who embodies Joel's spirit. The 5k will feature awards for the top male and female finishers across various age groups, and all participants can look forward to free food and refreshments after the race. With registration available on race day and a special T-shirt for donations of $20 or more, this event promises to be a day of camaraderie, remembrance, and community spirit. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor a hero and support future leaders!
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Joel Gentz 5k
Entries closed9:30 AM EDT
Free
Organiser's description
The Joel Gentz 5k is a race at Purdue University in honor of the service men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
Captain Joel Gentz graduated with honors from Purdue in 2007 with a degree in Aeronautical engineering. He was a member of Air Force ROTC as well as Arnold Air Society, The Order of Iron Key, Old Masters, and the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. While attending Purdue he met his wife, Kathryn.
After graduation, Gentz commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He was selected to become a Combat Rescue Officer, the first to ever be selected out of college. After completing Pararescue training, one of the most rigorous training pipelines in the military, he was assigned to the 58th Rescue Squadron, located at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. He then deployed to Afghanistan. He performed over 50 hours of combat time. On June 9, 2010, Gentz was killed in action when his helicopter crashed during a rescue mission near Forward Operating Base Jackson.
-All proceeds will go to benefit the Joel Gentz Memorial Scholarship, an annual scholarship awarded to current Air Force ROTC student that best embodies Joels spirit
-Registration and Packet pick up available race day (accepting cash, card, or checks)
-Donations of $20 or more include a T-Shirt upon check-in to the race
-Top finishes include award packages
-Female and Male awards (first, second, and third) divided by age group
-Free food and water provided
-Any donations are graciously accepted.
Captain Joel Gentz graduated with honors from Purdue in 2007 with a degree in Aeronautical engineering. He was a member of Air Force ROTC as well as Arnold Air Society, The Order of Iron Key, Old Masters, and the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. While attending Purdue he met his wife, Kathryn.
After graduation, Gentz commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He was selected to become a Combat Rescue Officer, the first to ever be selected out of college. After completing Pararescue training, one of the most rigorous training pipelines in the military, he was assigned to the 58th Rescue Squadron, located at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. He then deployed to Afghanistan. He performed over 50 hours of combat time. On June 9, 2010, Gentz was killed in action when his helicopter crashed during a rescue mission near Forward Operating Base Jackson.
-All proceeds will go to benefit the Joel Gentz Memorial Scholarship, an annual scholarship awarded to current Air Force ROTC student that best embodies Joels spirit
-Registration and Packet pick up available race day (accepting cash, card, or checks)
-Donations of $20 or more include a T-Shirt upon check-in to the race
-Top finishes include award packages
-Female and Male awards (first, second, and third) divided by age group
-Free food and water provided
-Any donations are graciously accepted.
Location
Corner of Harrison St and South University St, West Lafayette, 47906, IN, United States
Joel Gentz
Event data
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