By S'iva Goodman

Staff writer

JENSEN BEACH - Families and military personnel pay the highest price during any American conflict overseas.

Since the beginning of America's war with Iraq, local residents and their mothers have participated in a Mother's Day 5K Walk/Run to support the families of the Treasure Coast's fallen troops.

All area residents are invited to participate in the event, May 14.

Three American soldiers will be honored at this year's event. Ian Zook, Jerome Shanaberger, and Robert Jenkins all lost their lives in the Iraq war.

Cheryl Shanaberger said that this run is very important to her and her family.

"The money raised from this run will go into a trust fund for Jerome's children to use for college," Ms. Shanaberger said. "It is so wonderful to know that the community hasn't forgotten him and his family.

"He was a tough soldier and a soft family man," she added.

Ms. Shanaberger said Fort Bragg, the U.S. Army base in North Carolina, is naming a new facility in honor of her son on May 19.

Jerome died in the line of duty at 33, and left behind a wife and five children.

Karen Zook, Ian's mother, said she and many of his friends were changed forever by Ian's loving and loyal personality.

"Everyone of Ian's friends described him as their best-friend," Mrs. Zook said.

"He has touched the lives of so many during his short time here and we want him to be remembered for being a loyal friend and a caring soul."

Mr. and Mrs. Zook will be adopting a Russian orphan this year.

"Ian did a lot of missionary work and we know he would love that we are helping another child in need," Mrs. Zook added.

Anne Schafer has made the event possible by collecting support from local businesses, and organizing the Mother's Day event to be held in the Square One Plaza on U.S. 1 in Jensen Beach on Sunday, May 14. Registration begins at 6 a.m. and the walk begins at 7 a.m.

"This is very near and dear to my heart," Ms. Schafer said. "It is so hard for the families of these fallen heroes and they need to know the community is behind them.

"All monies raised will go to the Zook and Shanaberger families."

The registration fee is $15.00. Participants can register that morning outside of Bloomingdeals Consignment store in the north side of the plaza.

The route will take participants through the area around the plaza, and will include a ceremony to honor the Zook and Shanaberger families, who will also be walking.

"This is our fourth year walking, and it is more important than ever to show these families our support," Ms. Schafer said.

"Last year we raised more $3,000 for our families and this year we hoped to raise even more. It is the least we can do for these two families."

The event is sponsored by the businesses in the Square-One Plaza, Sailfish Striders and Mulligan's Beach House.

Overall awards will be given to the top finishers, and all finishers will receive a participant award and a T-shirt.

Early registration is encouraged.

For more information contact Anne Schafer at (772) 334-7733, or Mike Melton at (772) 334-3469.