By Jason Klaiber
Staff Writer
Before Cpl. Kyle Schneider even joined the Marine Corps, his third grade teacher knew him as her most patriotic student.
She relayed this memory to Kyle’s mother at his calling hours, after the Baldwinsville native was killed in action June 30, 2011, in Afghanistan.
Kyle enlisted in 2008 after leaving Onondaga Community College with a desire to give back to his community and his country.
“It’s my turn,” he told his parents, Lorie and Rick.
Kyle’s sacrifice at age 23 prompted his parents to create the Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider Foundation.
The all-volunteer organization centers its mission around acts of kindness toward others.
“We do this out of love for our son and out of the need to assist and aid the community and carry on Kyle’s legacy,” Lorie Schneider said. “He will not be forgotten.”
In tribute to those currently serving in combat and in recognition of fallen soldiers, the foundation will hold its annual Honor and Remember Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. on May 18 at Van Buren Park.
Kyle ran track at Baker High School and entered races with his father, an inspiration behind the Saturday morning 5K fundraiser.
“To able to do a run, which is an activity that he loved, it continues on his legacy of what he liked to do,” Lorie Schneider said.
Growing up, Kyle also went sledding, flew kites, played basketball, took swimming lessons and fished at the park on Connors Road.
“Van Buren Park is so special because Kyle’s footprint is really throughout that entire park,” Lorie Schneider said.
The race falls on Armed Forces Day, which is traditionally observed on the third Saturday in May. It also marks the eighth anniversary of Kyle being awarded his first of two Purple Hearts.
“Schneider was the type of person others admired and tried to emulate,” said Lt. Col. John D. Harrill, Schneider’s battalion commander.
Lorie Schneider said the foundation’s programs, events and gestures — like sending care packages overseas to service members and providing scholarships to high school seniors — mirror Kyle’s outgoing and generous personality.
“Kyle literally would give you the shoes off his feet or the shirt off his back,” Lorie Schneider said. “He would give you the last $5 in his pocket so that you could eat or put gas in your car.”
Anthony Marquez, an Oklahoma-based veteran of the Marines, will be in charge of running the event.
The registration cost for the run/walk will be $25 until May 12 and $30 from then until the day of the event. People can sign up or donate at runsignup.com/Race/NY/Baldwinsville/CplKyleSchneiderHONORREMEMBERRUNWALK5K. Pre-registration and packet pick-up will extend from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 17 at the park’s lodge.
All proceeds support the foundation.
Top runners will receive gift certificates supplied by the B’ville Diner and awards.
“If you can’t run or walk, honest to goodness come be a part of it because you can volunteer,” Lorie Schneider said. “Without the community’s support, we couldn’t do what we do. It is truly amazing.”
As with past years, the course will be lined with the “Honor a Hero” display. Families can submit photographs of loved ones who served their country and information about them to [email protected]. Submissions must be high-resolution JPG or PDF files.
The run/walk will be preceded by an opening ceremony and a free kids fun run.
To learn more about the Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider Foundation, visit cplkyleschneider.com.
Blood drive is May 29-31 at Crouse
Apart from the Honor & Remember Run/Walk, the eighth annual Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider Memorial Blood Drive will be hosted by Crouse Health May 29-31.
Lorie Schneider said the goal this year is to collect 150 pints.
The blood drive takes place in the small cafeteria at Crouse Health, 736 Irving Ave., Syracuse, on the following dates:
• 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 29
• 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 30
• 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 31
Each donor will receive a gift card and complimentary valet parking, and donors are encouraged to wear red, white and blue in honor of Kyle, a universal donor himself.
Walk-ins are welcome, but to schedule a blood donation, call 800-REDCROSS (733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and type “Crouse” in the “Find a Blood Drive” box.
Lance Cpl. Donald Collett, 2019 Honored Veteran
Each year, the Honor and Remember Run/Walk recognizes a veteran. The 2019 Honored Veteran is Lance Cpl. Donald Collett.
Donald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for three years active and three years reserves. He served in Vietnam from 1972 to 1973.
Donald fulfilled the position of Past Commander of America Legion Post 113, Baldwinsville. He has also served as Post Adjutant, District 5 Adjutant and is currently
Onondaga County 3rd Vice Commander. Donald has also been a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for several years and the Baldwinsville Memorial Day Parade Committee.
He and his wife Barb pay visits to the VA Medical Center and the FL veterans every Christmas morning.
Don retired from his job as an auto crew leader for the Baldwinsville Central School District.
