PGB 5K ALOHA Run - Huntsville

Join us for the “Project Giveback 5K "ALOHA Run” Run, Walk or Roll and Warrior Kids SuperHeroes vs Villains event. It will be held in Huntsville, Alabama on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, and we are proud to announce that "REDSTONE GATEWAY is our "TITLE SPONSOR". If you are unable to join us in person but would still like to support the cause, please consider the VIRTUAL OPTION or a donation by using the DONATE tab at the top of the page.

DISCLAIMER: We are the only race event that allows those participating to assign $10 of their REGISTRATION investment to an organization or a program that is making a positive impact in the lives of kids, domestic abuse victims, abandoned seniors, homeless veterans, or school programs (below is a list of those we are supporting in 2026). 

PRICING

$30 until October 31st (T-shirts guaranteed). $35 from November 1st to May 31st (T-shirts guaranteed), $40 from June 1st to August 31st (T-shirts available as supplies last) and $45 from September 1st until Race Day (T-shirts are NOT guaranteed). NOTE: Zero Registration on event date.

PACKET PICKUP

Late Registration and Packet Pickup will be available on Friday, the day before the race, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the:

RunningLane, located at: 2407 Memorial Parkway SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA

- OR -  

Packet Pickup will also be available on race day beginning at 6:00 AM at: KBR Bldg. 6200 Redstone Gateway, Huntsville, AL US 35808, USA 

Expo/Bib Pick Up

In-person participants are highly encouraged to pick up their packet at RunningLane.

Bibs, shirts, and medals for virtual participants will be shipped directly to them after September 26th, and shipping is included in the registration fee.

We are the only race event that allows those participating to assign $10 off their REGISTRATION investment to an organization or a program that is making a positive impact in the lives of neglected children, domestic abuse victims, abandoned seniors, homeless veterans, or school programs. After our event, those who participated will be invited to join Team PGB, as we visit every organization and present them with a check for the amount raised by those who selected them.

Throughout the years, our founder molded the projection of his personal and military life by following the concepts of two principles: the U.S. Army Warrior Ethos and the Zig Ziglar Philosophy:

1-U.S. Army Warrior Ethos 

I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.

2-Zig Ziglar Philosophy

“You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”

For 2025 the following organizations/programs are the ones we are supporting:

1 - PGB Huntsville VETERANS COMMISSION

2 - Huntsville CommUNITY Drumline

3 - Dylan's Dogs for Diabetes

4 - Grissom High School JROTC

5 - Huntsville Hospital Foundation "Kids Cancer Center"

6 - Team RWB

Saturday, Sept 26th, 2026

5:00 am – 6:25 am – Late Packet Pick-up (@ KBR Building in Huntsville, Al)

6:25 am – Fallen Heroes Class of 2025 Roll Call 

6:30 am – Opening Ceremony

-Colors by TBD

-National Anthem by TBD

-Opening Prayer by TBD

6:40 am – Words by Speakers 1 (REDSTONE GATEWAY)

6:45 am – Race-Day Warmups by the youngest ZIN Certified Zumba Instructor in Puerto Rico Wesley Perez

6:55 am – SAFETY BRIEFING by Race Director

7:00 am – Wounded Veterans and Gold Stars 5K Start

7:05 am – 5K Start

9:30 am – Words by Speaker 2 & 3/Awards/Closing Ceremony

DESIGN 5K MEDALS AND WIN $100.00 CASH: 

PGB is seeking the participation of students to design the 2026 PGB ALOHA Run.Walk.Roll Race events medal.

The winner (s) will be awarded $100.00.

So, design away!

The winner will be notified by the PGB founder, no later than June 10, 2026. The deadline to submit the artwork is no later than May 1, 2026. Artwork must be submitted to the following email: jose@pgb1.org

PGB will collect the design and a panel of 3 individuals will meet and choose the winning design. There are no rules for the design except to keep it clean and that the design MUST be completely created by a student. (the winner must present the drafts that were developed to build the final design "ZERO EXCEPTIONS").

● Monetary Award for the winner, is $100.00 cash to be presented on stage, on July 25th, 2026.

Disclaimer:

-Students must reside in Alabama to participate in this contest.

-The winning student doesn’t have to be present to collect the $100.00 award.

For more information or clarification please contact: Jose L. Garcia-Aponte at jose@pgb1.org

Much Aloha and….Let’s go to work!

The PGB 5K ALOHA Run -  and Warrior Keikis SuperHeroes vs Villains event will be held in "Huntsville, Al" on Saturday, September 26th, 2026. 

WHY THE PGB GOLD STAR RUN:

We are committed to honoring our "Fallen Heroes' Families" as well as our "Wounded Armed Forces Members and their Families" to raise commUNITY awareness of the challenges facing them and for us to do all we can to make a real difference in the quality of their lives. Although, our "Fallen Heroes" are no longer with us in physical form we are committed to celebrating them by keeping each of them alive through the Major General (MG) Francisco A. Espaillat Fallen Heroes Memorial Mile. The MG Espaillat Memorial Mile (click here for MG Espaillat BIO) is a concept where we build a "Hero Board, alongside a pair of military boots" and display them along the way in a selected mile during the course (click here for MG Espaillat Hero Board). We are dedicated to keeping their memories, and accomplishments alive, through the "PGB Gold Star Run” initiative.

OUR EVENT FEATURES:

Powerful Speakers, Music, as well as a fast and beautiful race route. A $150 bonus will be presented to the male and female participant who breaks the current National Record.

DISCLAIMER/TRANSPARENCY: 100% of all donations raised from the PGB 5K ALOHA RUN (minus race expenses) will support the

• 2026 PGB Section 60 Christmas Gift Project party
• 2026 PGB Fallen Heroes Family Camp
• 100% cover the expenses of 7 Wounded Warriors to attend the event.

In order to provide tomorrow’s future leaders (High School Students) with the opportunity to participate in JROTC Exhibition Drill Competition sponsored by PGB.

Drill and Ceremony, in general, helps develop pride and confidence in the Student's actions, learn professionalism, and most importantly, teaches students how to work as a team. These are just some of the traits that our service members of all services display during the many years of faithful service.

The PGB Exhibition Drill Competitions is one of the several events that Honor the faithful service of all specially those that provided this Nation with the Ultimate Sacrifice.

.

FAQS

PARTICIPANTS ATHLETE FAQs

1-What does my entry include?

Your registration includes:

Race entry (5K)
Race shirt
Chip timing w/splits
Race Medal
Branded BIB

2-Is my entry refundable?

Registration is non-refundable. There are no refunds available. This is a charity race where all proceeds (minus expenses) benefit the PGB Program.

3-If deferred my race last year, how do I register for this year?

We will email all deferrals within 7 days after the past year event completes and the next year registration opens. There is nothing additional you need to do at this time.

4-How do referrals work?

Participants can refer their friends to run the PGB Gold Star Run Huntsville Edition 5k. Once 5 people sign up using your unique referral link, you will automatically be refunded up to $20. Referrals are valid for the 5k only.

5-I can’t pick up my race bib, can a friend pick mine up?

Sure! Just make sure that they have a copy of the confirmation email you were sent when you registered as well as a photocopy, or digital picture will work.

6-I am coming in from out of town and can’t make it to the bib pick-up, how can I get my bib?

If athletes cannot pick up their bib at the Expo, we will be offering a race morning pick-up option. We cannot guarantee accommodation for anyone who cannot get their bib prior to race day. Note that items for virtual participants will be automatically shipped. For more info contact: jose@pgb1.org

7-Is the PGB Aloha 5k a charity race?

The PGB Gold Star Run Huntsville Edition is a nonprofit event. 

8-Will there be water and electrolyte on the course?

Absolutely!  The 5K course will feature two water/electrolyte stops, at the start/finish and at approximately 1.75 mile. 

9-Will there be race day registration, with a t-shirt, and bib pick-up?

Yes! 

10-Can I defer to next year?

We do offer deferrals up until August 26th for a fee of $25. Please email us for more info.

Please note - In the event of a cancellation or postponement, we will waive deferral fees.

11-Can I transfer my bib?

Yep! BUT…. Please read this very carefully:

If you registered with us and now are unable to run you may transfer your bib.

All bib inquiries/transfers must be completed by August 26th.  After this date, we will not be able to handle any bib requests. Bib transfers require a fee of $15.

If you have any questions, please email us @ jose@pgb1.org

12-Are strollers or dogs allowed?

Due to the nature of the course and for the safety of all race participants, strollers are permitted but requested to start at the back of the race and to not "race". We aim to make the start and finish area as family-friendly as possible. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate dogs due to insurance constraints.

13-How do I get to the start on race morning?

The start and finish are accessible by personal vehicle, Uber and Lyft.

14-I can’t take public transportation to the race, where can I park?

Parking is limited for the PGB Aloha Run near the Start and Finish areas.  Due to the road closures and the extended no parking areas, we suggest arriving early and looking for street parking and avoiding areas close to the start and finish.

15-Is the race walker friendly?

The PGB Aloha Run is a run.walk.roll family-friendly race. Athletes are welcome to walk part or all of the 5k.  Those who are unable to run will be asked to move to the right side of the course to allow those running a clear path.

16-Will there be pace groups?

No!

17-Where can family and friends watch?

Anywhere! The PGB Aloha 5k course goes through Redstone Gateway and around with a Start and Finish that are very close to each other…perfect for catching your athlete at multiple locations.  Keep in mind that it runs within dense locations, so moving around on foot is usually the best/only way to do it. We also have water stations on the course that always need additional volunteers.  Email us if you are interested in helping out!

18-I notice you mention that the PGB Aloha Run is making running more accessible to a wider audience of participants. What does that mean?

One of our top priorities in presenting the PGB Aloha Run is to use the event to grow participation beyond the traditional demographics that have historically made up running. We have a multi-prong approach that includes:

Non-profit partner. We are the only race that allows the participant to donate $10 off their registration fee to an organization or program of their choice which is doing great and positive work in their community.
Reduced fee bibs for participants experiencing hardship.
Dedicated marketing and outreach in underserved communities with onsite registrations, and the ability to register without a credit card or bank account, or internet access.
A dedicated Advisory Board made up of athletes and community leaders with a wide range of perspectives who advise the PGB Aloha Run and help us come up with ways to make running a more accessible and inclusive sport.

ALOHA family,

If you can’t make it in person…then register for our event using the VIRTUAL option.

Here is WHY you might want to consider our Virtual Race.

Our event is a fundraiser for us to bless Gold Star Families with 2 initiatives:

1-The PGB 2026 Fallen Heroes Family Camp.

The camp is our way to share with our GOLD STAR CommUNITY a 3-day event to have them "CONNECT-SHARE-SERVE" each of them. Our strategy to have Zig Ziglar Certified Trainers (www.ziglar.com) as those facilitating our sessions guarantee every attendee that the material will be clean, inspirational, good, healthy, and positive. Our PGB Fallen Heroes Family Camp Huntsville Edition is scheduled TBD.

2-The PGB 2025 Section 60 Fallen Heroes Kids Christmas Gift Project.

The Christmas Gift Project was born as a direct result of our founder's desire to bless our fallen heroes’ children and remind them that their heroes' sacrifices will never be forgotten. Most of us remember waiting for Christmas morning with great anticipation and excitement, wondering what was under our Christmas tree. Unfortunately, every child does not get the opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas, especially in the wake of a fallen hero not being there. It is a struggle for parents and children to see the beauty of Christmas without their hero. Today by you participating in our event as a commUNITY we have an opportunity to renew if only for a moment the joy of Christmas to children and parents across the United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Germany. We need your support and maybe you can also share our Virtual event with those in your sphere of influence, as it is our desire to increase the number of kids we can bless and turn away no families or child of a fallen hero or wounded warrior. 

The PGB Team, thank you for opening your heart to such a profound initiative.

For your situation awareness, as soon as you have registered, you can begin the run.walk.roll the 5K. Be advised to save your run proof for your submission. We are mailing all of the packages after our July 26th, 2025, event date and after we have received your submission!

Description: 

Missed the event but don't want to miss out on the bling? Join us for a VIRTUAL PGB Gold Star Run 5k walk.run.roll, and receive a tech t-shirt, medal, and a race bib!

Entrants for virtual PGB Gold Star Run Huntsville, Edition send the following info to: jose@pgb1.org 

SUBJECT LINE: (PLEASE write PGB Gold Star Run Huntsville, Al Edition)

Name:
Age:
Hometown:
Email Address:
Home Address:
Photographic Proof of their 5K run.walk.roll will be required:
 
 

We are committed to honoring our "Fallen Heroes' Families" and to raise commUNITY awareness of the challenges facing them and for us to do all we can to make a real difference in the quality of their lives.

Although, our "Fallen Heroes" are no longer with us in physical form we are committed to celebrating them by keeping each of them alive through the Major General (MG) Francisco A. Espaillat Fallen Heroes Memorial Mile. The MG Espaillat Memorial Mile (click here for MG Espaillat BIO) is a concept where we build a "Hero Board, alongside a pair of military boots" and display them along the way in a selected mile during the course. We are dedicated to keeping their memories, and accomplishments alive, through the "PGB Gold Star Run” initiative.   

Major General (MG) Francisco A. Espaillat Fallen Heroes Memorial Mile "Class of 2023"

The PGB ARMED FORCES Gala (PGBAFG) is our strategy to raise awareness and resources for every initiative we have to be a blessing to our Fallen Heroes' Families.

Gala Five W's

-What: Armed Forces Gala "Pearl Harbor Edition"

-When: SAVE THE DATE: TBD in 2024

-Where: Huntsville, Alabama

-Why: To Honor those who gave their all for our freedom and our way of life.

-Who: Everyone that supports our "Fallen Heroes Families"

Note: For more info contact: jose@pgb1.org

As we continue to make a positive difference in our local community, it’s our passion and focuses to motivate, inspire, and challenge our future leaders. We will execute that by presenting our PGB DRUMLINE Battle among our amazing future leaders. 

What is a Drumline Battle Competition?

According to the article "What Is a Drumline Competition? (with picture) (musicalexpert.org)" the following define such evet.

A drumline competition is a music competition featuring up to 50 musicians focusing on percussion playing, specifically the playing of marching percussion instruments. These competitions are very similar to marching band competitions. The difference is that they feature only the drumline, or percussion section, of an ensemble, or an ensemble that normally only employs percussionists. Normally participants are in high school or college and enter the combination as part of the academic institution's musical arts program.

In general, musicians play four different instruments in the battery, the section of a drumline that marches, in drumline competitions. These include snare drums, bass drums, tenor drums, and cymbals. Some drumlines still use marching versions of glockenspiels and xylophones, but this is less common. Musicians also may include other stationary instruments in the pit or front ensemble, the section of the drumline that does not march. Examples of front ensemble instruments include chimes, timpani, and xylophone.

The drumline competition is a musical event, but judges do not judge based on musicality alone. Much of a drumline competition focuses on showmanship. Participants usually organize their performance according to a theme, and they choreograph every step and stick movement to create specific effects. If audience members like what they see and hear the drumline do, they commonly whistle, clap and cheer to show encouragement. Drumline competitions usually have at least five judges, including a head, music, visual, general effects, and tabulation judge, to look at the different aspects of the show in depth.

During a drumline competition, participants must adhere to the strict rules governing the event, with general guidelines set by the American Drum Line Association. These regulations cover everything from getting on and off the performance area to the use of peripheral audio or visual equipment. Failure to comply with drumline competition rules usually results in the judges assigning one or more penalties to the performing group. Groups pay close attention to regulations, particularly at the state and national levels, to prevent technicalities that result in a lower score or disqualification.

In adherence with the ADLA standards, drumlines usually perform between four to eight minutes, having a total of nine minutes to set up, play and leave the performance area. During this time, groups may perform many different types of music, but because the groups have such a short time to let the judges see what they can do, show themes and individual music selections often are designed to provide as many "wow" moments as possible. Tempos of the songs usually are moderate to fast to accommodate the natural physical step of the performers.

Drumlines usually perform at a drumline competition for the bragging rights of being "the best" and because the participants truly love the combination of music, artistry, sportsmanship, and occasionally, ongoing rivalry. Some drumline competitions do provide prizes, however. These prizes sometimes are small to mid-level scholarships, grants the winning group can use to purchase new instruments or music or the right to be featured at certain events. Some drumline competition boards award medals or certificates of participation.

The PGB Fallen Heroes Family Camp initiative is our way to share with our GOLD STAR CommUNITY a 3-day event to have them "CONNECT-SHARE-SERVE" each of them. Our strategy to have Ziglar Certified Trainers (www.ziglar.com) as those facilitating our sessions guarantee every attendee that the material will be clean, inspirational, good, healthy, and positive. Our PGB Fallen Heroes Family Camp Huntsville Edition is scheduled for TBD.

OUR WHY WE RUN.WALK.ROLL

We are committed to honoring our "Fallen Heroes' Families" as well as our "Wounded Armed Forces Members and their Families" to raise commUNITY awareness of the challenges facing them and for us to do all we can to make a real difference in the quality of their lives. Although, our "Fallen Heroes" are no longer with us in physical form we are committed to celebrating them by keeping each of them alive through Major General (MG) Francisco A. Espaillat Fallen Heroes Memorial Mile.

Best Superhero Costume Contest Male & Female:

First Place $25 – in Cash
Second Place $15 – in Cash
Third Place $10 – in Cash

Bring your A-Game and you can win cash!

On August 16, 2021, at Kabul Airport life took a profound turn for 13 family members in our Military CommUNITY. Project Giveback, Inc will honor our Fallen Heros on TBD in 2025 by presenting their signature event the “Gold Star 5k run.walk.roll and Warrior kids superheroes vs villains race".

WHY THE PGB GOLD STAR RUN?

We are committed to honoring our "Fallen Heroes' Families" as well as our "Wounded Armed Forces Members and their Families" to raise commUNITY awareness of the challenges facing them and for us to do all we can to make a real difference in the quality of their lives. Although our "Fallen Heroes" are no longer with us in physical form we are committed to celebrating them by keeping each of them alive through the Major General (MG) Francisco A. Espaillat Fallen Heroes Memorial Mile. The MG Espaillat Memorial Mile is a concept where we build a "Hero Board, alongside a pair of military boots" and display them along the way in a selected mile during the course. We are dedicated to keeping their memories, and accomplishments alive, through the "PGB Gold Star Run” initiative.

The PGB Gold Star Run San Diego Edition is also our fundraiser for our 2025 “PGB Section 60 Fallen Heroes Kids Christmas Gift Project”, and to sponsor 3 San Diego local Gold Star Families to our “Fallen Heroes Family Camp” scheduled for TBD in 2025 in Huntsville, Al. 

We understand that:

• Lance Cpl. David Espinoza, 20, of Laredo, Texas
• Sgt. Nicole Gee, 23, of Roseville
• Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, 31, of Midvale, Utah
• Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, 23, of Knoxville, Tenn.
• Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio
• Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, 20, of Bondurant, Wyo.
• Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga
• Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, 20, of Norco
• Cpl. Daegan Page, 23, of Omaha, Neb.
• Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Mass.
• Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Ind.
• Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, 20, of Wentzville, Mo.
• Navy Corpsman Maxton Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio

Will forever be missed but their commitment, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Team PGB is dedicated to ensuring their legacy of service, compassion, and love for our Nation will live forever thru each of us and the PGB Family.

SAFE THE DATE: Saturday, TBD in 2025 for the "PGB GOLD STAR RUN SAN DIEGO, CA EDITION 

Jose Garcia Aponte, along with his former wife Maribel Garcia, came up with the idea for Operation Giveback for Wounded Warriors Inc (OGB). Jose is a retired US Army Command Sergeant Major who served almost 30 years in the Army. He said that their idea to develop OGB was their way of giving back to their commUNITY. 

 “The Army to me wasn’t a job, it was a dream. I have a passion for the military,” said Garcia-Aponte. He stated that one of his mentors, CSM Larry Taylor, told him one day: ”Troop, Soldiers are serious business”. Jose never forgot those wise words.  

Truth be told, OGB was born after he and Maribel saw the Oprah Winfrey TV Show “America’s Bravest Family” in which a lady by the name of Teresa Arciola told her story of how she drove 5 hours one way to see her son’s grave (US ARMY Specialist Michael Arciola) in Arlington National Cemetery “Section 60”. Her story was raw and in your face, and Jose said it broke his heart. It was during that TV show in January 2011 that the seed was planted. 

The seed took root following Jose’s own Oncology visit. It was there in the doctor’s office parking lot that Jose decided to stop running from what he knew must be done. He and Maribel settled into their hearts that something had to be done. It was at the end of that Oprah show in January that Ms. Winfrey challenged her audience to do something in their commUNITY to support our Veterans.  On 14 May 2011 the Inaugural Operation Giveback 5/10k run.walk.roll & Warrior Kids Race was born. They expected 200-500 people, but on event day, 1080 individuals came to the beautiful grounds of the UCF Campus to show their support and respect for our heroes. 

OGB wanted to set itself apart from other organizations and events. One of the characteristics that made the OGB event so unique was that it not only supported the Wounded Warriors but their families as well. It was decided from that initial event that they would sponsor all expenses paid vacations for four Active Duty Wounded Warriors, and their families to travel to Orlando, FL for the weekend of the event. Additionally, the OGB run.walk.roll event is set apart from other organizations' events because it focused on making the event a family-oriented day. Home Depot was the sponsor for the Kids Corner with two inflatables and over seven games for the kids. And the parents had a great time.

A third way that OGB is different from other events is that they host a Wounded Warriors and Sponsor Appreciation Dinner designed to show their appreciation for their contributions to the cause. At the inaugural event, Retired Major General Ron Johnson, Vice President of the National Basketball Referees Association (at that time), was the Keynote Speaker. Throughout the year many other amazing individuals like Tom Ziglar, Howard Partridge, and Billy Cox have shared their appreciation and wisdom at our appreciation dinner.

A fourth way that OGB makes a tangible difference was born after the founders watched a news video about Arlington National Cemetery Section 60, which inspired the development of a new program under the OGB Umbrella. It was named OGB Section 60. Under this program, they now have two projects: the OGB Christmas Gift Project (providing Christmas gifts for Fallen Heroes' Children), and the OGB Making Dreams Come True Project. Such a program was developed to make a positive difference in the lives of our Fallen Heroes' Families: the widows and the children we have inherited from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Thanks to the generosity of our local commUNITY, as well as renowned motivational speaker Mr. Zig Ziglar, who made his voice heard by sponsoring the Warrior and family from Ft Hood, TX, OGB was able to make a significant difference in the lives of Active-Duty Families as well as Retired Wounded Warriors and families that traveled to our event. Thanks to many local sponsors we are able to cover all of our expenses and donate to organizations that support our mission statement: to raise awareness and resources for our Wounded Warriors and their families, and the children of our Fallen Heroes. As Maribel shared, none of this would have been possible if it had not been for the tremendous support of our countless volunteers from schools, churches, the Boy Scouts, and to everyday people.

What started as an idea just to do something to add value to their local commUNITY has taken off! As Jose likes to say: when a baby is born, they learn to crawl, walk, and run. As the good book so clearly declared that “everything under the sun has an expiration date” hence, Operation Giveback went thru a rebranding to include the expansion of its mission statement which now includes the commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of abused and neglected children, women of domestic abuse, abandoned seniors, homeless veterans, and seniors devastated by a natural disaster. In 2018, Jose established Project Giveback, Inc (PGB) www.pgb1.org, and since Team PGB has dedicated its efforts to making a tangible difference in the lives of those hurting. Today, what started as a Godly idea continues to keep its initial mandate to love, inspire, and make a profound difference, one individual at a time.

Jose continues to stand in the philosophy of his childhood hero who stated that "Any time you have an OPPORTUNITY to make a DIFFERENCE in the world, and you DON'T, then you are WASTING YOUR TIME ON EARTH"-Roberto Clemente 

Since 9/11, 2.6 million brave men and women have deployed around the world to fight for our country. The percentage of those returning with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) is staggering. An estimated 1 in 4 of our returning Veterans will super from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, depression, marital issues, substance abuse, and other issues.

As these numbers continue to grow, it becomes more and more difficult for warriors to access timely and effective mental health treatment for PTSD, TBI, and other invisible wounds. “Roughly 20 veterans a day commit suicide nationwide, according to new data from the Department of Veterans Affairs — a figure that dispels the one quoted, but problematic, "22 a day" estimate yet solidifies the for the problem and replaces it with an equally disturbing mental health crisis the number implied.

The Birthplace of Memorial Day and Early Observances 

The Civil War which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. By the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers. 

What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

Memorial Day and Veterans Day both honor the sacrifices made by U.S. Veterans but serve different purposes. Veterans’ Day, originally called “Armistice Day,” is a younger holiday established in 1926 as a way to commemorate all those who had served in the U.S. armed forces during World War I. Memorial Day honors all those who’ve died. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. 

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

Fun FACT: Did you know? 

Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.

And here is how to measure it-the greatest love is shown when a person lays down his life for his friends. (John 15:13 TLB)

The "Run 4 Her" 5K Run.Walk.Roll event was designed to start a dialogue about the senseless loss of many outstanding females in our commUNITY. Every day sisters, daughters, wives, aunts, grandmothers, and friends are taken from their loved ones too soon due to acts of senseless violence is a tragedy. Although, they are no longer with us in physical form we are committed to celebrating them by keeping each of their memories and accomplishments alive, through the PGB “Da HOPE” initiative.

Best Superhero Costume Contest Male & Female:

First Place $35 – in Cash
Second Place $25 – in Cash
Third Place $15 – in Cash
Bring your A-Game and you can win cash!

Join us for our 2024 edition scheduled for El Parterre, Aguadilla on Saturday, April 27th.

Aloha family, our founder believes that a dog is a man's best friend, right?

We contend that in reality, a dog is a runner's best friend. Think about it. As happy as he is to see you when you come home, isn't he even happier when he sees that leash?

For those of you who have never taken your dog out for a jog, you're seriously missing out (and so is your pooch)!

PGB Corporate 5K Gold Star "ALOHA RUN & K9 Edition", is a dog friendly event, for the 2025 edition we are welcoming the first 30 dogs to participate in the 5K with their owners.

5 Reasons to Run with Your Dog. (by Kelsey Sharon) 

In hopes to convince you to make your best friend your new running buddy, here are five reasons why running with your dog is the best idea.

1. They give you an excuse to take a break.

Dogs aren’t the best at planning their day. They’re more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants, do-whatever-they-want-when-the-fancy-strikes kinda animal. Because of their lack of foresight, they inevitably must poop during the run. This habit gives you a convenient excuse to take a break while you wait for them to finish their biz. Any break is always welcome – or maybe that’s just me.

2. They push (aka pull you) on the run.

I don’t know about you, but my dog is faster than me…by like a lot – a lot, a lot. I’ve run some of my fastest splits with her because she constantly wants to go, go, go. There’s no excuse to stop with a steam engine propelling you forward.

3. They motivate you to start.

My pup is one smart pooch. She knows which shoes are my running shoes and which are for grocery-store runs. She’s also gotten to the point where she can hear me getting ready in my room and waits for me at the bottom of the stairs. The problem (for me at least) comes when she thinks I’m getting ready for a run when I’m not. I’ll come down the stairs to an excited pup and…no running shoes…. Sad dogs are the pits, so I’ll get the right shoes and take her for a run after all.

4. They make you meet new people (and dogs).

My pup has beautiful coloring (the most beautiful in my mind). People are forever stopping me to ask me what kind of dog she is. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met because of her!

5. Finally, they make it fun.

There is nothing more fun than a happy puppy. After every run, there she is – tongue out, enjoying’ the wind from the open window of my car as we drive home. I’m unashamed to say I’m firmly in the “cat-person” camp, but when it comes to my runs, I need a dog by my side. Life is more fun with a happy-go-lucky attitude like your puppy’s.

So, here’s to all the dogs out there hitting the pavement at the "ALOHA RUN & K9 Edition" event with their runner pals. Man’s best friend? Definitely. But a runner’s best friend? Even more so, because who else can identify with that wide-eyed, beauty-seeking attitude of a runner better than a dog? Anyone else run with your dog? What are some of your reasons or your best stories?

Important Information

MANDATORY:

1-All dogs participating must be current on their rabies vaccine.

2-All dogs participating should be friendly towards other dogs, children and adults. 

3-All dogs must participate with a leash at all times.

Join us for our 1st ever 5K-9 Fun Run hosted by PGB. This will be a family friendly event which includes your dogs, because we all know dogs are family too. We hope you take part in the beginning of something great and we look forward to seeing you! 

PGB Christmas Gift Project was born as a direct result of our founder's desire to bless our fallen heroes’ children and remind them that their heroes' sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Most of us remember waiting for Christmas morning with great anticipation and excitement, wondering what was under our Christmas tree. Unfortunately, every child does not get the opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas, especially in the wake of a fallen hero not being there. It is a struggle for parents and children to see the beauty of Christmas without their hero. Thanks to our supporters, our volunteers, and wonderful sponsors and friends of PGB have allowed us to renew if only for a moment the joy of Christmas to children and parents across the United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Germany.

Every time a sponsor supports our events and each time a runner registers it is bringing hope to local families of Fallen heroes in our commUNITY as well as across the nation. Christmas is a time of giving, a time to remember those who we love and reach out to those who are in need. PGB would like to thank all of you for helping us fulfill our mission of never forgetting the sacrifice of our service men and women and their families. Each year we serve as many family members as our budget allows us to serve. We are proud to announce that some of the proceeds from the PGB GOLD STAR RUN Huntsville Edition will be invested in supporting the Third Annual PGB Christmas Gift Project in December 2025. We would like to increase our numbers and turn away no family or child of a fallen hero or wounded warrior. 

To sponsor the PGB Christmas Gift Project contact jose@pgb1.org or donate at www.pgb1.org we thank you for opening your heart to such a profound initiative.

ALOHA family,

If you can’t make it in person…then register for our event using the VIRTUAL option.

Here is WHY you might want to consider our Virtual Race.

Our event is a fundraiser for us to bless Gold Star Families with 2 initiatives:

1-The PGB Fallen Heroes Family Camp.

The camp is our way to share with our GOLD STAR CommUNITY a 3-day event to have them "CONNECT-SHARE-SERVE" each of them. Our strategy to have Zig Ziglar Certified Trainers (www.ziglar.com) as those facilitating our sessions guarantee every attendee that the material will be clean, inspirational, good, healthy, and positive. Our PGB Fallen Heroes Family Camp Huntsville Edition is scheduled for TBD in 2025.

2-The PGB Section 60 Fallen Heroes Kids Christmas Gift Project.

The Christmas Gift Project was born as a direct result of our founder's desire to bless our fallen heroes’ children and remind them that their heroes' sacrifices will never be forgotten. Most of us remember waiting for Christmas morning with great anticipation and excitement, wondering what was under our Christmas tree. Unfortunately, every child does not get the opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas, especially in the wake of a fallen hero not being there. It is a struggle for parents and children to see the beauty of Christmas without their hero. Today by you participating in our event as a commUNITY we have an opportunity to renew if only for a moment the joy of Christmas to children and parents across the United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Germany. We need your support and maybe you can also share our Virtual event with those in your sphere of influence, as it is our desire to increase the number of kids we can bless and turn away no families or child of a fallen hero or wounded warrior. 

The PGB Team, thank you for opening your heart to such a profound initiative.

For your situation awareness, as soon as you have registered, you can begin the run.walk.roll the 5K. Be advised to save your run proof for your submission. We are mailing all of the packages after our July 26th, 2025, event date and after we have received your submission!

Description: 

Missed the event but don't want to miss out on the bling? Join us for a VIRTUAL PGB Gold Star Run 5k walk.run.roll, and receive a tech t-shirt, medal, and a race bib!

Entrants for virtual PGB Gold Star Run Huntsville, Edition send the following info to: jose@pgb1.org 

SUBJECT LINE: (PLEASE write PGB Gold Star Run Huntsville, Al Edition)

Name:
Age:
Hometown:
Email Address:
Home Address:
Photographic Proof of their 5K run.walk.roll will be required:

Aloha friend, we are currently updating the volunteer spots for our PGB Aloha Run...for more info please contact jose@pgb1.org for update.

KEIKI'S ZONE

The PGB Aloha Run “SuperHeroes vs Villains” Keiki's Race has been designed as a family fun experience. Hence, we are making our event FREE of charge for every child, but REGISTRATION is mandatory for our headcount. Help us to be a blessing by bringing your Keiki, grandchild, student, or neighborhood child to our Kids Corner so they can be exposed to what Mr. Zig Ziglar so eloquently taught our founder…the good, the clean, and the positive.

The Keiki's Zone will provide every child the opportunity to enjoy Bounce Houses, Home Depot Games, their own FREE OF CHARGE race, and many games. Parents: bring your Keiki's to the event for a fun time for all.

For our 2026 edition the following applies:

Ages                     Distance

0-4                         50 Meters 

5-7                       100 Meters

8-9                       200 Meters

10-11                  400 Meters

Best Superhero Costume Contest Male & Female:

• First Place $25 – in Cash
• Second Place $15 – in Cash
• Third Place $10 – in Cash

Bring your A-Game and you can win cash!

Inaugural Project Giveback Golf Tournament 

Please join us for the First Annual Project Giveback Golf Tournament at (location TBD) on (Date TBD), 100% of the proceeds (minus expenses) will benefit the purchase of the land for the future PGB Fallen Heroes Family Camp, the 2024 PGB Section 60 Christmas Gift Project, which is a PGB program to bless FIRST RESPONDERS children. 

Register by Friday, (date TBD) to play in the PGB Golf Tournament 2024 at (TBD). The cost is $(TBD). Registration fee includes golf, lunch, awards, free return round of golf at (Location TBD). It is for a great cause and will be a great day of golf! Don't miss out! 

The Project Giveback, Inc tool to disperse the resources that are impacting positively our commUNITY is the PGB ZIGLAR CLASSIC (PZC)." The PZC is our strategy to penetrate every commUNITY with the message of hope, character, integrity, and love that our founder learned from his mentor Mr. Zig Ziglar. 

Throughout the years, Jose molded the projection of his personal and military life by following the concepts of two principles; the U.S. Army Warrior Ethos and the Zig Ziglar Philosophy which states that “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”

U.S. Army Warrior Ethos:

I WILL ALWAYS PLACE THE MISSION FIRST.

I WILL NEVER ACCEPT DEFEAT.

I WILL NEVER QUIT.

I WILL NEVER LEAVE A FALLEN COMRADE.

The Project Phoenix PGB Program is our platform to support, challenge, and add positive value to our Veteran's CommUNITY. Thru PP we encourage Veterans to pursue the highest and best version of themselves by sponsoring them, to participate in events such as the RAGNAR Relay, PGB 5 and 10K, Bike Rides, Hiking Trails, Paddle Board with Roll Out PTSD (www.rolloutptsd.org) and many other physical events and exciting adventures. We also recommend Veterans to the life-altering retreat program, hosted by the amazing Bolder Crest Foundation (www.bouldercrest.org) Warrior PATHH. The Warrior PATHH initiative, helped our founder to turn his struggles into strength, reversing the mindset of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder  (PTSD) into the powerful reality of Post Traumatic Growth (PTG). Our founder learned, that by simply applying 1 concept he learned from Greg Morin aka "COACH", while attending the Warrior PATHH retreat  "CHANGING THE ANGLE" and viewing life challenges from a different point of view, that life was still worth living, exploring and serving those hurting in his commUNITY.

There are no refunds available. This is a charity race where all proceeds (minus race expenses) benefit the PGB Programs.

We want to express our profound appreciation to "REDSTONE GATEWAY our TITLE SPOSNSOR" a big "THANK YOU" and gratitude to all of our WONDERFUL sponsors, our AWESOME commUNITY, and FANTASTIC Volunteers for adding positive value to our initiative, without your contribution, our event cannot be a success. A big "THANK YOU" to every sponsor from Team PGB.

The SOS PURPOSE is to deliver on the Army's commitment to Families of the fallen. SOS connects you with people who can help you cope with your loss. Many times after you have lost a loved one, there are unresolved issues or questions that may surface months or years after the loss. The Army is dedicated to fulfilling the Family Covenant by providing support to surviving Families for as long as they desire. SOS demonstrates the Army's commitment to Families of the fallen by providing support and standardized services to Active, Reserve, and Army National Guard Families. SOS is a holistic and multi-agency approach to delivering services by providing access at garrisons and communities closest to where Families live. Benefits Coordinators, Financial Counselors, and Support Coordinators are professionals available to deliver individualized support and attention to Survivors across the nation.

SUPPORT COORDINATORS:

-Serves as the long-term support personnel for Survivors.
-Ensures Survivors receive necessary services.

FINANCIAL COUNSELORS:

Provides assistance to surviving Families through investment and estate planning education, and also works with the Benefits Coordinator.

BENEFITS COORDINATORS:

-Provide expertise on Local, State, and Federal benefits.
-They work closely with Casualty Assistance Officers, providing the surviving Family with assistance in understanding and applying for their entitlements.