ST. PETERSBURG, FL — May 28, 2025
The Red Star Foundation is proud to announce that its team, the “Red Star Ruckers”, will be participating in the upcoming Defender 5K, a powerful community event dedicated to raising awareness and support for military and veteran suicide prevention. The event includes a 2.2-mile ruck march to honor those who carried the burden of service and are no longer with us.
The Defender 5K is hosted by the Sgt. Anthony Patrick Muhlstadt Foundation and serves as a moving tribute to the lives lost to suicide. This year’s walk will remember all who served, with a special tribute to Marine Anthony Muhlstadt, who died by suicide on November 19, 2021. Known as a “Defender” by those who loved him, Anthony stood up for others both in and out of uniform. Participants are invited to join his family and friends after the walk to celebrate what would have been his birthday.
Leading the Red Star Ruckers in the 2.2-mile ruck march will be José Pequeño, a Marine and U.S. Army Staff Sergeant whose story of resilience has inspired many. In 2006, while on patrol in Iraq, José was gravely injured by a suicide bomber. Despite devastating injuries, including the loss of part of his brain, José has continued to serve as a symbol of sacrifice, strength, and service.
“This march is about more than remembrance,” said Jerry Shaffer from the Red Star Foundation. “It’s a call to action to prevent future losses and support the families and service members still fighting silent battles. We ruck to carry the weight they no longer can.”
The public is encouraged to attend, support, and march alongside the Red Star Ruckers and José Pequeño to raise both awareness and critical funding for suicide prevention efforts.
Event Details:
Defender 5K & Ruck Walk
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Time: Registration begins at 6:30AM
Location: 7700 16th St. N., Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Register or Donate: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/SaintPetersburg/DEFENDER5KRUCKWALK
Learn more about José Pequeño: https://gloriamdeo.com/jose-pequeno
About Red Star Foundation:
The Red Star Foundation is a national nonprofit dedicated to ending suicide among military service members, veterans, and first responders. Through outreach, peer support, and advocacy, Red Star works to honor the fallen and fight for the living.
Media are welcome. Interview opportunities with Red Star leadership, José Pequeño, and participating families are available upon request.
To learn more about the race:
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/SaintPetersburg/DEFENDER5KRUCKWALK
