When Bill Pennington was first trying to get Run For the Troops off the ground, he approached me as the then Director of Admissions of the Massachusetts School of Law asking me if we would like to get involved. I was very excited about helping. The law school fully supports our veterans, and we became an inaugural sponsor of the race. The law school has continued to be involved since that time. I have been so impressed with the direct support of veterans that I have now joined the Board of Directors.

It means the world to me that an organization like this directly supports our veteran community. I love the dinner as it is a way to bring our veterans together to show we support them and appreciate them for their services. The race is a special day as my family all joins our team. My father, who walks the race with us, is a Vietnam Veteran and you can see the thanks in his eyes when he sees all the people who show up for the race to thank everyone who has served. My nephew used to run on our team and now, I am proud to share, he is serving in the United States Navy and is stationed in Japan. He is an officer aboard the USS John Finn. 

I have seen, firsthand, how the support Run For the Troops has helped veterans over the years. It has given them hope, instilled pride, and most importantly, showed them that we care and are thankful for their service and sacrifice. For me personally, having a long line of veterans in my family, I am proud to be part of an organization whose primary purpose is to make sure those who served and sacrificed know that their community is thankful. 

• Paula Colby-Clements