Inaugural 5k run honors life of PFC Joseph Marquez, fundraiser for gold star family monument

LEWES, Del. “He paid the ultimate sacrifice, and I don’t ever want that to be forgotten,” Giordano said.

Private First Class Joseph Marquez was a Dover native, star athlete, and a U.S. Army Solider. Marquez was a member of 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. With a rank of Private First Class, his duties included working as a combat motor operator.

Back in April 2022, he died in a single vehicle accident during a training exercise, just months before his 20th birthday.

His mother, Kristen Giordano, says her family is on a mission to keep his memory alive. “I didn’t want to just drown in my grief or just lay in bed all day and cry. I wanted to do something significant,” Giordano said.

And just like that, the inaugural Memorial 5k in ‘Joey’s’ honor came to life. “So, I think a race down in Sussex County where Joey competed mostly in athletics is just a great way to capture his spirit,” Stepdad JP Blandin said.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the construction of a memorial monument in partnership with the Woody Williams Foundation. The nonprofit is devoted to serving Gold Star Families through various outreach and educational services. “These are families who have given more than the rest of us, and I think that’s something we can all learn from. Again, in the face of their loss and their sacrifice, they’re out serving the community,” WWF CEO/President Chad Graham said.

Giordano describes her son as hardworking, competitive, and passionate about service. Marquez followed in his grandfather’s footsteps, enlisting in the Army.

Now on a quest to turn pain to purpose, Giordano tells us her love for her son is what fuels her to inspire. “Nobody wants to be a gold star mom or a gold star family member, but I want to do something that will be here after I’m gone and that people can remember,” Giordano said.

The Woody Williams Foundation has helped to construct more than 120 memorial projects across the country. PFC Marquez’s monument is planned to be placed next to the Delaware Fireman’s Memorial in Dover.

The 5k run will be held at Irish Eyes Restaurant & Pub in Lewes this Saturday, August 19th at 8AM. Registration is open until this Friday, August 18th. To find out more information click here