Walk for the Wounded participants will hear the inspirational stories of two women, one who is a decorated soldier, and the other, who is a determined mother of a fallen soldier, during the 11th Annual Walk for the Wounded.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, Lieutenant Colonel Shoshannah B. Lane and National Gold Star Mother Susan Price will address the crowd at the walk’s opening ceremony at the Ocean City Music Pier, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
A native of South Jersey, Lane graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1999 and received her commission as a second lieutenant in the Aviation Branch. She deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2004 and then again from 2006-2007, taking command of D Troop, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment during her second deployment.
Lane also deployed for nine months to Bagram, Afghanistan, to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Following command, she assumed duties as the Executive Officer for the 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, and later served as the Strategic Outreach Officer for the Chief of Staff of the Army in the Pentagon.
Most recently, Lane commanded the 46th Aviation Support Battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
Army veteran Sean Lewis, who lost his right leg during a mortar attack in Iraq, is joined by his girlfriend, Raissa Ross, during the 2017 Walk for the Wounded.
Susan Price is a National Gold Star Mother who resides in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.
The daughter of a United States Marine, she served as an administrative liaison in the United States Army for three years. Price’s son, Gunnery Sergeant Aaron Michael Kenefick, followed in his family’s military footsteps, joining the Marines and earning a number of honors, including Marine of the Year, throughout his 12 years of service.
In September of 2009, he was wounded by shrapnel during a firefight in Afghanistan and received a Purple Heart.
Just two days later, he and three fellow Marines were ambushed in Ganjal and killed. He received another Purple Heart, a Combat Action Ribbon, and a Bronze Star posthumously.
Determined to learn exactly what led to her son’s death on the battlefield, Price has spent years reviewing documentation, eyewitness accounts, and other research. Her determination to stand up for her son and other fallen soldiers has led to a reputation as a passionate veterans advocate.
All of the funds raised at Walk for the Wounded will help Operation First Response, rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, support wounded soldiers in times of crisis. More than 98 cents of every dollar raised will be donated directly to injured soldiers who are facing financial, physical, and emotional struggles.
To learn more about Walk for the Wounded sponsorships, advertising opportunities, or registration, contact Tricia Ciliberto at (609) 402-5190, or visit www.operationfirstresponse.org.
