Community Steps Up for Veterans, Raising More Than $32,000 at Left Right Left 5K
This year’s Left Right Left 5K, hosted by Piedmont Airlines’ Veterans and Military Employee Resource Group (VMERG), brought together employees, families and community partners for a morning centered on service and support for veterans across Central Pennsylvania. Thanks to dedicated runners, sponsors and volunteers, participation and fundraising reached new heights once again. With 266 runners and walkers and more than $32,000 raised, the event surpassed its goal of raising $30,000 for local veterans in need.
“The event continues to grow because many veterans need support but may never ask for it,” VMERG Leadership Sponsor Dale Witmer shared. “The 5K gives Piedmont employees and community members a chance to stand together and make a direct impact, reflecting the caring culture that defines our company.” 
All proceeds support Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (VOPA), an organization dedicated to ending veteran homelessness and helping veterans build stable and independent lives. VOPA created Veterans Grove, a small community of tiny homes that provides safe housing and wraparound support, allowing veterans experiencing homelessness to rebuild independence in a therapeutic environment grounded in structure, connection and personalized services.
VOPA Board Vice Chair Lisa Zimmerman noted that “community involvement gives veterans encouragement and connection as they work toward a stable future.” This year, the event welcomed several participants who are currently part of Veterans Grove, a meaningful reminder of how community partnerships directly support those rebuilding their lives.
This event would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors.
Leading Sponsors ($1,000+)
Niacc Avitech Technologies Inc.; Aviation Institute of Maintenance; RXBenefits, Inc.; Luminare Health Benefits, Inc.; Alera Group; InAir Aviation; AIM Norfolk; Ametek Ameron LLC; Fidelity Investments; Rolls-Royce; Embraer; Med Craft.
Supporting Sponsors
Professional Aircraft Accessories, Inc.; HEICO Aerospace; Premier Aviation Quebec; Star Lake Ford; HRD Aero Systems; Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics; Sunvair Aerospace; C&L Aviation Group; Galaxy; Enflight Aviation; Accurate Background; Winstead; Tacor; Blose Signs; Barfield Inc.; Champion Aerospace; Sterling; Bayview Aviation; Groom Law Group; Grainger; LandStar; Skyteam International Co.; Aero Composites and Structures, LLC; Vast Abstract, LLC; Midwest Aero Support LLC.
Individual Donors
Keith Satorius, Mark Sawyer, John Cain, Jason Culver, Thomas Spilberg, William Arndt, Amy Evans, Heather Laudenslager, Cheryl Smit, Craig and Heather Laudenslager, and Steve and Amy Bright.
A special thank you to Harrisburg International Airport for allowing us to host the event and Fairfield Inn for graciously supporting participants and volunteers.
A special thank you also goes to the volunteers from Piedmont’s Veterans and Military Employee Resource Group (VMERG), team members from across Piedmont and American Airlines Group,
Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (VOPA), Blue Mountain Battalion Army ROTC and members of the local community who donated their time and talents to support this event. Their commitment helped create a welcoming and successful experience for all participants while advancing support for local veterans.
Although the race has ended, VOPA continues to welcome donations that support housing, meals, clinical services and outreach programs for veterans throughout Central Pennsylvania. Every contribution helps extend the impact of this year’s event and strengthens the support available to veterans facing homelessness.
Piedmont Airlines is grateful for every runner, walker, volunteer, donor and sponsor who helped make this year’s event a success. Together, we are helping veterans take the next step toward stability, independence and hope.
Support Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania by making a donation here.