Left, Right, Left 5K: Honoring service, building impact
Piedmont Airlines is proud to share the success of this year’s Left, Right, Left 5K, hosted by our Military/Veterans Employee Resource Group (VMERG). With generous sponsorships and overwhelming community support, the 2025 race reached new heights. Participation grew to 183 runners and walkers—up from 122 last year—and together we raised $27,600, surpassing 2024’s total of $22,420. All proceeds benefit the Gary Sinise Foundation, an organization deeply committed to honoring our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families.
For many, the event was not just about participation but about community and connection. As Kayla Glass, Graphic Design Coordinator, shared, “I was delighted that I got my mom and sister, and fellow Piedmont team member, to join me in walking the 5K. It felt good to support the veterans in a way that got me outside and moving, while spending time with my family as well. I’m also a big advocate of our employee resource groups, and love to show up for them in any way I can.”
Kayla’s experience reflects Piedmont’s value of caring, where supporting veterans goes hand in hand with creating moments of belonging among colleagues and loved ones.
The 5K was designed to inspire both Piedmont team members and the local community to come together for a larger purpose. Dale Witmer, Regional Director of Aircraft Maintenance and 5K Lead Organizer, explained, “We hope the community comes together to honor and respect the sacrifices that have been made of our first responders and veterans.”
That spirit of community resonated throughout the event as families, veterans, first responders, and Piedmont employees gathered to walk, run, cheer, and volunteer side by side.
The funds raised through the race directly impacts life-changing programs at the Gary Sinise Foundation, including building specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and providing mental health resources and emergency assistance to veterans, defenders, first responders, and their families.
Bill Arndt, Vice President of Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering and VMERG Executive Sponsor, reflected on the deeper meaning of this support,“Knowing there are a lot of veterans in need and can use a helping hand through whatever means to help them in whatever they are going through, especially since they gave their time and effort and sometimes sacrificed a piece of themselves to help protect us… we need to continually show our gratitude and support and thank them for their service to us and our country. I am very proud to be an American, and although not a veteran myself, I am very proud to be a supporting member of the Piedmont Airlines Military Veterans Employee Resource Group.”
Bill’s words highlight Piedmont’s commitment to caring for those who cared for us, while reminding us that true community means standing alongside one another in gratitude.
The 5K is not just a fundraiser, it’s a demonstration of how belonging strengthens both teams and communities. Samantha Shadursky, Manager of Travel, Time and Leave and VMERG Board Member, added “Piedmont Airlines is proud to share the success of this year’s Left, Right, Left 5K, hosted by our Veterans & Military Employee Resource Group (VMERG). With the generous sponsorships and community support, this year’s race reached new heights.”
The event’s growth proves what’s possible when we live out our values. Through caring and community, Piedmont continues to honor those who serve, support families, and create opportunities for connection. As VMERG continues to grow, so does the impact we can make together.