Local firefighters to run in full gear in ‘Miles for Mills 5K’ race

Firefighters Charissa Kerr, a resident of Windham who serves with the Windham and Raymond Fire Departments, and Captain Mike Hughes of the Raymond Fire Department both ran in last year’s Miles for Mills 5K in full firefighter gear and they’re ready to do it again in 2023.

Firefighters Captain Mike Hughes of the Raymond Fire
Department, left, and Charissa Kerr, who serves with the
Windham and Raymond Fire Departments, join Maine
veteran Travis Mills after last year's Miles for Mills
Memorial Day 5K fundraiser in Brunswick. Both 
firefighters are preparing ti run again in this year's race 
in full firefighter gear to honor those who have died in
the service of our nation. SUBMITTED PHOTO  

This’s year’s Miles for Mills Memorial Day 5K, presented by New Balance Foundation, will be part of the 12th annual Miles for Mills Memorial Day Weekend and is scheduled for Sunday, May 28 at Brunswick Landing, the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. The race will begin at 9 and conclude at 11 a.m., with an after-event party at Flight Deck and Wild Oats in Brunswick.

Hughes is a U.S. Army veteran having served 24 years, ending his career as an instructor at United States Military Academy West Point. Both Kerr and Hughes say that they recognize the service of the men and women who have selflessly sacrificed their lives for the United States.

“For us, the Miles for Mills 5K is more of an event than a race,” Kerr said. “It’s a way for us to pay our respects to those who’ve gone before us and to honor the sacrifices they made.”

The Miles for Mills 5K race is not only an opportunity for the public to raise vital funds for the recalibrated veterans served by the Travis Mills Foundation, it’s also a chance to meet U.S. Army SSG (Ret.) Travis Mills and to learn more about his mission since losing his limbs in an IED accident while in service to our country.

“The Miles for Mills 5K helps to give our supporters a way to honor veterans and their families who have experienced life-changing injuries,” said Heather Hemphill, Travis Mills Foundation Executive Director. “Charissa Kerr and Capt. Michael Hughes are examples of true patriots who know what it’s like to serve a cause greater than themselves and we’re honored that they choose to take part in Miles for Mills.”

Last year when Kerr and Hughes ran in the Miles for Mills 5K, they gained attention from participants and spectators when they chose to participate in the event in full firefighter gear and paused to honor each of the memorials on the course of the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America.

“It was incredible to see these firefighters running the Miles for Mills 5K not only in full gear – but more importantly to raise awareness for the Travis Mills Foundation,” said Mills.

Kerr and Hughes each have run in multiple other races and events to honor service members, including the Tunnels to Tower 5K, the Run for the Fallen and stair climbs in Boston.

For all of the events that the pair of firefighters participate in, they do so in full firefighter gear to help maintain the physical endurance and strength required of firefighters.

“Firefighting is a physically demanding job. This is one way we maintain the fitness necessary to be successful,” Hughes said. <