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Joggin' for Frogmen to benefit Navy SEALs

Recall, if you can, the accounts you've heard of the Navy SEAL team's raid of Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan - the helicopters bringing the team in, the SEALs sweeping the grounds and the mansion, at once encountering resistance from al-Qaida operatives and collecting evidence of terrorist activities.

Every moment brought split-second, life-and-death decisions for the SEALs.

Imagine what could have happened if one of the SEALs was distracted by something in his personal life. A momentary loss of focus or a hesitation could have marked the fate of every team member and altered the path of world politics.

Bob Harward is one of many on a mission to ensure our SEALs and Naval Special Warfare personnel get the support they need so they never lose focus while carrying out our nation's most difficult and most dangerous military assignments.

Harward knows what he's talking about. He spent 35 years as a SEAL, recently retiring from the Navy as a vice admiral.

Working now in the public sector as chief executive with Lockheed Martin in United Arab Emirates, Harward is putting his boots on the ground for the SEALs by running in West Chicago this weekend in the Joggin' for Frogmen 5K, the event's name a nod to a nickname for the SEALs.

Joggin' for Frogmen runs began in 2012 in San Diego, California, honoring the 31 SEALs who died in 2011 when the Extortion 17 helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan in 2011. This year, the races are planned in 10 cities nationwide, including West Chicago.

Proceeds from the West Chicago run benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation, which aims to "enhance the resilience and well-being of our warriors and their families," according to navysealfoundation.org.

Programs include support for active-duty personnel and family services, education, tragedy assistance, survivor support and legacy preservation.

Today, Harward tells us why he's Joggin' for Frogmen in support of his brothers in special warfare.

Q. Who or what inspires you to participate? Did you sign up in honor of or in memory of someone?

A. I recently retired as a vice admiral in the U.S. Navy. Thirty-five years as a Navy SEAL inspire me to participate in the race. I run in memory of the 57 SEALs we have lost in Combat since Sept. 11 in operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and other conflicts around the world.

Q. What has been difficult about your experience?

A. The hardest part of being a Navy SEAL is experiencing the loss of so many of my friends and teammates.

Q. What might surprise people about your experience?

A. I grew up in a Navy family in Iran, graduated from the Tehran American High School, and speak Farsi.

Q. Have you ever done this 5K before and, if so, what was the experience like?

A. No, I have not!

Q. What would you tell someone who is interested in participating but might be the slightest bit hesitant?

A. Go for it and embrace the adventure.

Q. How can readers donate to your fundraising efforts?

A. Readers can make a difference by signing up to run or walk in the 5K. All proceeds benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation, which provides immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval special warfare community and its families.

Robert Harward

If you go

What: Joggin' for Frogmen 5K

Why:Proceeds support the Navy SEAL Foundation's programs for active-duty and retired SEALs and their families

When: Opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13; 5K at 9 a.m., Tadpole Trot at 10:30 a.m.

Where: DuPage Airport, 2700 International Drive, West Chicago

Cost: 5K is $40 for civilians 11 and older, $35 for active-duty military personnel; Tadpole Trot is $15 for ages 3 to 10, $10 for younger children

Info: jogginforfrogmen.com

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