United Concordia Marathon Participants Raise Funds for Military Families

United Concordia sponsored four runners once again this year to participate in the 26.2-mile Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. On Oct. 31 the United Concordia participants teamed with an additional 80 runners to raise money for Operation Homefront, contributing with all funds going to support military families in need. United Concordia contributed $12,000 to the cause.

The Operation Homefront team ran in memory of Sgt. Cesar Ruiz, a Marine who was killed in action when he stepped on a landmine while on his second tour in Afghanistan. The race day marked the 1-year anniversary of the death of Sgt. Ruiz. To honor him, the team joined his wife and mother in running the race in his memory.

"Operation Homefront is proud to offer Team OH as a way to support our organization. Each year we are impressed with the number of people who voluntarily sign up to support our cause", says Carly Samuelson, Operation Homefront Director of Special Events. "Running a marathon is a very solitary goal, but when you choose to combine your physical efforts with raising funds for a charity you realize that it's bigger than just you pounding the pavement for 26.2 miles."

"United Concordia is extremely proud to have sponsored Operation Homefront for this year's Marine Corps Marathon," says Sharon Duke, Director of Marketing & Outreach of United Concordia's DoD Programs. "As the administrator for the Department of Defense's TRICARE Dental Program and Active Duty Dental Program, United Concordia has been serving more than 1.9 million members of the military community since 1996. We are honored to continue this tradition and commitment. We were proud to run in memory of Sgt. Ruiz who gave his life for our country."

Samuelson added, "Operation Homefront and Team OH are so grateful to United Concordia for supporting our team of runners year after year. Because of support from great companies like UCCI, our Team continues to grow and raise more funds for our military and their families."

About Operation Homefront

Operation Homefront is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. Founded after the terrorist attacks Sept. 11 by a Navy wife determined to help other military families, Operation Homefront now leads more than 4,000 volunteers in 23 chapters nationwide. In 2009, Operation Homefront met 154,401 needs for military families, including active duty, Guard and Reserve members from all branches of service. Since its inception, Operation Homefront has provided more than $137 million dollars of funding to programs to benefit military families. For more information, visit www.operationhomefront.net.