The UNC Pembroke community will come together on May 3rd to honor the life, service and sacrifice of 1LT Joshua Deese with the inaugural 1LT Joshua Deese Memorial 5K Run & Walk at Grace P. Johnson Stadium.

Joshua Deese, a 2003 UNCP graduate with a degree in American Studies, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry soon after graduation. A Rowland native and beloved member of the local community and UNCP ROTC program, he served with the 2-36 Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. In August 2006, he deployed to Iraq and was tragically killed by a roadside IED in Kirkuk on October 15, 2006, while serving as a Platoon Leader. He is survived by his parents, siblings, and son, Jacob. Joshua remains the only known UNCP ROTC Cadet to have fallen in combat, and his legacy continues to be honored by the program and all who knew him.

Registration Begins: 7:45am| 5K Start Time: 8:45am | 1-Mile Run Start Time: 9:00am

The cost is $15 for students and UNCP employees; $25 for non-students. Awards: Top 3 Male & Female Finishers (5K), Top 3 Overall (1-Mile) All proceeds will benefit future leaders in the UNCP ROTC program. While this first event is a small but heartfelt tribute, organizers plan to grow the memorial run into a major annual campus and community tradition. Future events aim to fund scholarships for deserving ROTC cadets in 1LT Deese’s name.

For additional information and online registration, follow the event website link provided below.