Loops for the Troops Calgary – A Run in Honour of Sacrifice

By Lieutenant Mike Dullege
2 July 2009

 

This Father’s day marked a bittersweet moment, as it was the second annual Loops for the Troops run taking place in Calgary.

 

The Loops for the Troops is a run established by Cpl Hornburg’s father, Michael, and is a 1, 5, or 10km run designed to raise awareness and funds for a variety of military needs. In the past two years over $200 000 has been raised and distributed to a variety of military sources, including over $60 000 for the Wall of Honour in the community of Garrison Green. The Wall of Honour is a place where Michael Hornburg frequents; visiting a tree planted in Nathan’s honour by members of his former Squadron, and includes the names of all of the Canadian Soldiers who have died serving our country over the past 100 years.

 

The run itself was very fun, with 10 members of the Strathcona Mountain Man team being tapped to participate. All members of the team completed the 10km, most completing in outstanding time. This proved to be relatively easy for most, as the Mountain Man training had recently kicked into high gear. The Mountain Man team itself is 18 people strong, conducting two long runs, two rigorous cross fit sessions, and one muscle/mission-specific training day per week.

 

With the exception of a recruiting van, the Strathcona’s were the only unit to send a display of any type. On display for the Strathcona’s were an ARV, a LAV III, and a Leopard C2 Tank. By far the Tank was the hit of the day, and the static display itself had people climbing all over the vehicles well after the race was completed. Special thanks was given to the Regiment from Michael Hornburg for our outstanding participation during the event.

 

The race ended, awards were given out to all deserving, and the vehicles were prepped for lowbedding. Overall it was a sad but excellent day.

 

Cpl Nathan Hornburg was killed during operations in Afghanistan on Monday, September 24, 2007. He was attached to Lord Strathcona’s Horse(Royal Canadians) as the driver of a Leopard Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV). He was working on replacing the track on a Leopard Tank.

 

Cpl Hornburg is the only soldier of the King’s Own Calgary Regiment killed during operations in Afghanistan. He is the first member of that Regiment to fall in combat since World War II.

 

Afghanistan runs the Loops for the Troops at the same time:
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