Police officers, first responders, service members run Marine Corps 17.75K for one of their own

4 Apr 2016 | Sgt. Meloney Moses The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

The annual Marine Corps 17.75K race took a different turn this year after Prince William County Police Officer and U.S. Marine veteran Cpl. Ashley Guindon’s tragic death. The 28-year-old was fatally wounded Feb. 27 in the line of duty while responding to a domestic call in Woodbridge, Virginia. It was her first day on the job.

In response to the turn of events that fateful day, about 150 police officers, first responders, service members and supporters ran the 11.03 miles in Guindon’s honor paying tribute to her dedication to service in both the Marine Corps and the police department. The team of runners wore shirts displaying the names of fallen officers to honor their selfless service and ultimate sacrifice.

Jason Van Horn spent 14 years with the Prince William County Police Department and was Guindon’s squad leader during her time in the academy.

“I was on the fence about running this year,” Van Horn said. “Once I found out about the tribute, I signed up immediately. We all wanted to come together to support the family.”

Officers who had never even had the opportunity to meet Guindon showed support at the race.

“It’s a difficult time for police officers right now,” said Aron Shore, police officer with PWCPD for 18 years. “We appreciate the support from the community.”

Guindon served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 2007 to 2015.  She finished her tour as a personnel retrieval and processing specialist at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington D.C., and left to pursue her career in law enforcement.

“She was excited to start her [law enforcement] career,” said Guindon’s mother, Sharon Guindon as she shared memories of her daughter. “She loved to serve.”

Although Guindon’s mom did not run the race, several other family members did including an aunt from Massachusetts.

“I wanted to run with them in honor of Ashley,” said Joanna Guindon. “Being with people who care about you and support you helps. Without the police department this would be a different situation. They have helped tremendously. We’re excited to be here.”

This event marks the 80th anniversary of the 17.75K, and Marines and supporters proudly welcomed finishers as they crossed the finish line. 2nd Lt. Andrew Harper, a student at The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, finished with a time of 1:05:33 sealing the first place win followed by Robert Michell in second place and Charles Engle in third. The first female finisher, Sharon Schmidt-Mongrain from Pennsylvania finished with a time of 1:16:12. She was followed by Alissa Savage in second and Ashley Kniss in third.

What could have been a sad occasion ended up being a celebration not only of the life and sacrifice of Guindon but of the dedication to service that members of all organizations share. As stated by Guindon’s mother as she welcomed the finisher’s across the line, “Marines do amazing things.”