Kiwanis Club of Pembroke 5k

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923 W. 3rd Street, Pembroke NC

Saturday, July 5th, 2025

🏃‍♂️ Event Details

Date: Saturday, July 5th, 2025
Time: 6:30 am
Location: Southeastern Lifestyle Fitness Center: 923 W. 3rd Street, Pembroke, NC

💲 Registration Fees

Early Bird Special: $25
Race Day Registration: $30
Registration Time: 5:45 am - 6:20 am

🏆 Awards

Overall Winners: 1st Place Male and Female
Age Groups: 1-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
T-shirt: Included for everyone Pre-registered!

🎖️ Honoring Our Veteran

Join us in honoring Mr. Rudy Locklear, a remarkable figure representing bravery, resilience, and service.

📜 Mr. Rudy Locklear's Story

What a remarkable story of bravery, resilience, and service! Rudy Locklear's journey from the tobacco fields of Robeson County to Vietnam and back is filled with sacrifice and honor. His dedication to the military, his community, his family, his church, and his fellow veterans is evident in all that he does. His service left an indelible mark on his life, from his time in combat to his ongoing commitment to veterans' organizations and his active role in the community.

In 2024, Mr. Rudy was recognized as the Veteran of the Year at the North Carolina Indian Unity Conference on behalf of the Lumbee Tribe. He is also a proud recipient of the Purple Heart medal. The Purple Heart, which he wears proudly, is not just a medal: it’s a symbol of the price he paid, and it’s clear that he carries it with the utmost pride and humility. He was also awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal, Jump Wings, the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal. He is currently a life member of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW), Commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), charter Member of the American Legion, charter member of the Purple Heart chapter of Robeson County, and a proud Lumbee Warrior.

Mr. Rudy honors his fallen comrade, Sergeant Bradley Chavis, each year at the Vietnam Memorial Wall, reflecting his deep loyalty and strong bonds. His advocacy for recognizing veterans' sacrifices and his message of honoring veterans’ graves demonstrates a profound sense of respect and gratitude. Every Memorial Day, Mr. Rudy volunteers to educate students about the importance of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. He also oversees the Voice of Democracy essay contest for high school students and the Teacher of the Year award for the VFW.

Beyond his military service, Mr. Rudy Locklear has devoted over 52 years of service to his local community. In 1973, he played a pivotal role in starting the first ever Little League Baseball team in the Union Chapel Community, and along with Bobby Dean Locklear, they established the American Legion Post 205 Baseball Team. He has mentored young men, instilling in them a love for the game of baseball. His dedication to youth development has shaped many lives and provided an outlet for young people to grow and learn through sports. He has also volunteered with the Purnell Swett High School athletic program for over 30 years.

Mr. Rudy Locklear currently resides in the Union Chapel Community in Pembroke, NC, and attends Mt. Airy Baptist Church with his wife, Sarah Ann Locklear. He has two daughters and four grandsons, and one granddaughter. Mr. Rudy Locklear is a true embodiment of honor, courage, and service. He personifies the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Philippians 4:13. You are a true hero!