Kyle Schneider believed he had a duty to serve his country.
“It’s my turn,” he told his mother, Lorie.
So in 2008, the 2006 Baker High School graduate left Onondaga Community College to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.
“[Kyle] wanted to serve something higher than himself,” said Lt. Col. John D. Harrill, Schneider’s battalion commander. “I remember talking to him in the barracks. He left community college because he didn’t feel like he was doing enough for the country he loved.”
Schneider was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. In January of 2011, his platoon, 3rd Platoon, was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In defense of the United States, Schneider was killed in Helmand Province on June 30, 2011, by an improvised explosive device. He was 23 years old.
But his parents, Rick and Lorie Schneider, are determined to carry on his legacy of service. Shortly after their son’s death, the Schneiders formed the Cpl. Kyle Schneider Foundation, which is dedicated to helping veterans, their families and the Baldwinsville community.
The saying we created and live by is, ‘Honor the fallen. Committed to service. Courage to carry on,’” Lorie Schneider said. “Kyle said, ‘It’s my turn to make a difference,’ and now we have, to as his family, carry on his legacy every day.”
prayer shawl ministries to survivors, wounded warriors, and community
annual scholarships to graduating High School seniors
assistance in providing service and therapy dogs to military heroes
care packages to service members in combat zones, and to stateside service members
assistance to wounded warriors
fishing trips for soldiers through the NYS Bass Chapter Federation
a family room at the VA Hospital
missions of thanks to local vets on holidays
This year, for the first time, in order to help fund those missions, the foundation will be teaming up with the Friends of Van Buren Park to present the Van Buren Park Honor and Remember Walk/Run on May 30. The partnership came after the park reached out to the foundation, Lorie Schneider said.
“Kyle grew up in Baldwinsville,” she said. “Van Buren Park was part of his childhood. He started swim lessons at Van Buren Park when he was 3 years old and continued taking them there for years. He participated in park activities, played basketball at the courts there, we had many family functions at the pavilions, he sledded down the hill, flew kites there and fished in the pond. We have many treasured memories of this beautiful park.”
The Friends of Van Buren Park hosts the event every year, but this is the first time the walk/run has been a named event, Schneider said. It includes a 5K run/walk, which kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 30, as well as a free one-mile kids’ run at 8:30 a.m. Preregistration is $20; students can also register for this price. Race day registration is $25. The cost includes a T-shirt and refreshments. Trophies will be presented to the top male and female finishers. To preregister, go to friendsofvanburenpark.org.
In addition to runners and walkers, Schneider said organizers are looking for sponsors and donations for the event.
“Businesses or individuals can be sponsors in the event with financial support and item donations,” she said. “We collect items like water and food donations (bananas, oranges, bagels peanut butter, granola bars, etc.). People can volunteer for the event, and they can also become volunteers for our foundation. We are also looking for volunteers to be a part of the Friends of Van Buren Park Committee.”
The foundation’s next volunteer meeting will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. July 9 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church on Route 31 in Clay. For more information, visit cplkyleschneider.com.
