A Hero’s Story: John Elliott
The HERO Campaign was founded in memory of John R. Elliott, a Navy Ensign whose life was tragically taken by a drunk driver on July 22, 2000. Just two months after graduating from the United States Naval Academy, John was traveling home from Annapolis, Maryland, to celebrate his mother’s birthday when he was involved in a head-on collision. The driver responsible had been arrested for DUI earlier that evening but was released to a friend, who returned him to his vehicle. This individual, still intoxicated, resumed driving and struck John’s car, resulting in both their deaths.
John grew up in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, excelling academically and athletically. He was a National Merit Scholar, president of his high school class, and an active member of the football and tennis teams. His legacy endures; he was laid to rest at the Naval Academy Cemetery, and each year, nearly 1,000 senior midshipmen participate in leadership seminars held in his memory.
Stories of Hope and Healing
Among the many participants in the HERO Walk are survivors who have transformed their pain into purpose. One such individual is Ryan Moore from Clark, NJ, who was severely injured in a 2018 collision that took the life of his College of New Jersey fraternity brother, Michael T. Sot. Ryan participates in the HERO Walk every year to honor Michael, who was serving as a designated driver when his car was hit head-on. “The HERO Campaign has given me a platform to share my story and connect with others who understand my pain,” Ryan shares. “Every step I take during the walk is a step toward healing in remembrance of my Mike.”
The HERO Walk serves as a powerful opportunity for families to come together, honoring their loved ones while finding comfort in shared experiences. The Uhl family from Little Egg Harbor, NJ, lost their son Matt and participates each year with friends and family to keep his memory alive. “This event allows us to remember him and celebrate his life,” says Matt’s father, Albert. “We find strength in each other and in the community of victim families and survivors who join us.”
Positive Community Spirit
As participants gather at the Sports & Civic Center, the atmosphere is charged with a blend of reflection and solidarity. Friends and families wear matching shirts, sharing stories filled with both pain and hope. Children accompany their parents, their excited energy providing a stark contrast to the gravity of the occasion as they prepare for the 1-Mile Fun Run. This scene beautifully encapsulates the community spirit of the HERO Campaign, reminding us that while the topic is serious, the shared commitment to preventing drunk driving fosters unity amidst sorrow.
Local leaders and activists play a crucial role in amplifying the HERO Campaign’s message. Among them is Egg Harbor Township Police Chief Fred Spano, a steadfast advocate for road safety and the HERO Campaign’s mission. He and 26 other police chiefs from South Jersey participate in the HERO Patrol Car Program, with cruisers wrapped in the HERO Campaign’s message: “Be a HERO. Be a Designated Driver.” Chief Spano emphasizes, “Events like the HERO Walk are essential for raising awareness and fostering change. When we come together as a community, we can create a powerful impact.”
The HERO Campaign also maintains a close partnership with Stockton University, honoring their 2024 HERO Student Designated Driver of the Year, Colin Wojciechoski, with his photo displayed on a highway billboard beside the Atlantic City Expressway.
Resilience and Renewal
The HERO Walk embodies resilience, showcasing how communities unite to support one another after tragedy. Participants not only honor those they’ve lost but also celebrate their strength and renewal. “Every year, I see the same faces, and it fills me with hope,” shares long-time volunteer Jane French. “It’s inspiring to be part of such a positive campaign to save lives.”
While the walk serves as a poignant reminder of lives lost, it is also a celebration of life. Participants carry signs honoring their loved ones while celebrating those who have overcome their own battles. The event stands as a symbol of hope and a rallying cry for safe choices and responsible behaviors. “We are not just walking to remember; we are walking to inspire change,” says Muriel Elliott, John Elliott’s mother. “Designated drivers are the cure for drunk and impaired driving. We’re not against drinking, just drinking and driving.”
The HERO Walk will take place at 11:00 a.m. on the Ocean City Boardwalk, beginning with registration at the 6th St. Civic Center at 9:30 a.m. A 1-mile Fun Run kicks off at 10:00 a.m., followed by a tribute ceremony for the victims of DUI at 10:30 a.m. To register, visit www.herowalkrun.org.
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