Warminster Woman's Military Family Background Drives Veterans Support

WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP, PA — Heather Sliwinski remembers when she was promoting her organization's work to help military veterans when someone stood behind her that everyone seemed to be making a fuss about.

The man was another hero, but a Hollywood hero who played a major role as a military veteran trying to put his life back in order after numerous tours of duty.

That man was actor Bradley Cooper, who portrayed military hero Chris Kyle in "American Sniper," who became the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history with 255 kills from four tours in the Iraq War.

While Sliwinski was surprised to see Cooper, her work as chief executive and founder of the Honor and Courage Foundation shouldn't surprise anyone.

She is hosting the 12th Annual Honor and Courage 5k/Walk and Salute to Heroes Car Show and Concert on Saturday at the Fuge. Register now at www.honorandcourage5k.org.

"This is a nationwide organization that I took over in 2022," Sliwinski said.

Sliwinski has worked with veterans for 20 years, even taking calls on a hotline as she did before her interview with Patch earlier this week. Her family has a military background, and her son, who also served, got her involved with the organization.

"What a blessing it is to serve our nation’s Veterans and Law Enforcement. I have had the honor of working with our Veterans for 20 years now. Not a day goes by when I don’t wish I could do more for those who have honorably served this nation. I’ve had a passion and love for our country since a very young age. Both of my grandfathers served during WWII, my beloved Uncle, a U.S. Marine served bravely in Vietnam, my father served in the Navy, my father-in-law served in the Army, and my youngest son is an Infantry Marine Corps Veteran, she said.

She said the race is run because "we believe our Veterans and First Responders deserve honor, recognition, and unwavering support.

"We run for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and are no longer with us. We run for those who returned home with wounds both seen and unseen," she said. "When you sign up for the Honor and Courage 5K or Walk, you're not just running a race — you're joining a mission. A mission to support and uplift our Veterans and First Responders. A mission that helps eradicate Veteran and First Responder suicide. A mission to give back to those who give so much for our country and communites."

The Annual Honor and Courage 5K and Salute to Heroes Car Show and Concert is an event located at the Fuge at 780 Falcon Circle. It is an event that will bring the community together in a show of support for our nation's heroes, she said.

"The day is full of motivation and inspiration," Sliwinski said. "We strive to make this a fun-filled patriotic family event. We have multiple events for your whole family to participate in — the 5K, and one mile walk, the kis fun run, and a virtual run.

Here are the festivities planned for the event:

• Opening Ceremonies start at 9:30 a.m. as local veterans are escorted into the event.
• The National Anthem will be sung by Ryan Williams of Springbrooke.
• Jonathan Bittner, Dani Wysokinski and Heather Sliwinski will serve as speakers
• Field of Honor on display the entire day
• The race and walk will begin immediately after the opening ceremonies
• Salute To Heroes Car Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Raffles
• Honor and Courage merchandise
• Face painting
• Retro Mobile Arcade
• Crafts for kids
• Bounce houses

Click here to learn more about the organization

(Heather Sliwinski)