1LT Robert F. Welch III
1LT Robert F. Welch III was born on November 30, 1984, in Ft. Benning, GA. 1LT Welch wanted to join the military and be a soldier at an early age; his dream was to follow in his father's and grandfather's footsteps. He participated in the Civil Air Patrol and JROTC programs in high school. People would agree that Rob strongly believed in God and lived by Phil. 4:13. He was hard-working, determined, funny, generous, and kind and always took the time to help others. Rob joined the Texas Army National Guard as a Private First Class on May 23, 2005.
1LT Welch furthered his career by participating in the University of Texas at Arlington ROTC program, where he received his commission to the active duty Army as an Ordnance Officer on December 15, 2008. He attended his Officer Basic Courses at Ft. Benning, GA, and Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. Following completing BOLC phases I and II, 1LT Welch was assigned to Bravo Company, 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. In July 2009, he and his family moved across the country to Fort Knox, KY, where he served as the maintenance safety officer and then as the executive officer for Bravo Company. He was promoted to 1LT. His unit was deployed to Afghanistan in January 2011. Four short months later, on April 3, 2011, a rocket was launched into Forward Operating Base Salerno in the Khost Province near the Pakistani border, where 1LT Welch was stationed. Although great efforts were made to save him, there was too much damage to repair. 1LT Welch paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost his life that afternoon. His awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and the Combat Action Badge. 1LT Welch is survived by his wife, Becky, and two sons, Aaden and Robby. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN! |
The 1LT Robert F. Welch III Run for our Heroes Race was created by Becky Welch to preserve the memory of her late husband, 26-year-old Army 1LT Rob Welch, who was killed in Afghanistan on April 3, 2011. Her goal was to pay tribute to her husband and other Fallen Soldiers and use the event to thank those currently serving, local Veterans, Firemen, and Police officers. With help from her friend, Alicia Young began to take shape. With the support of family, friends, and community members, the first annual Run for our Heroes Race took place on April 14, 2012, marking Welch's 1 year "Angel" versary. Ever since, the event has been held every year in April, to commemorate 1LT Welch's "Angel" versary. The Run for Our Heroes has grown substantially each year as more and more supporters learn about us. The event includes a 5k and 1-mile run/walk throughout the morning and Vendor Fair from 9-3pm in Olde City Park. The event also includes a FREE lunch for all veterans, active military, firefighters, police officers, and their families in appreciation for their service. To showcase our gratitude for our heroes, there is also a "Tribute to our Heroes" area set up to honor those who serve through pictures and displays.
Along with booth spaces for vendors, the Run for our Heroes offers many children's activities, live musical acts, and various military displays, including soldiers from the local armory and the Rolling Thunder traveling wall. Proceeds from the event benefit the 1LT Robert F. Welch III charitable foundation and help support the needs of local veterans, fire departments, police departments, and Gold Star families. Proceeds are also used to support the educational needs of local students through donations to the Wylie ISD Education Foundation. With the money raised in the event's first two years, we were able to establish the 1LT Robert F. Welch III Memorial Endowment, which provides a yearly scholarship to be awarded to a deserving high school student from Wylie High School and Wylie East High School who exemplify the tenets of community service. As our event continues to grow, we look forward to being able to expand our efforts and help support the needs of our local military, fire, and police personnel and their families. |
