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DECEMBER 26, 2024 - JANUARY 1, 2025
Vol. 31 No. 53
HERALD PERSON oF THE YEAR GreG WaxMan
The ‘Patriot Man’ runs with a purpose What’s INSIDE
Greg Waxman is Herald Person of the Year By Taylor Grayson
Greg Waxman has been inspiring residents of Malverne for a number of years now. The “Patriot Man” went viral during the coronavirus pandemic, before many people knew who he was. He ran with an American flag, to honor the country’s veterans, but he never did it for the recognition. To him it just felt right. Waxman, 42, is an educator, a community organizer and an avid runner. His efforts to support veterans, first responders and local organizations with events like the Freedom 5K and the Strongman and Strongwoman Competition have raised thousands of dollars and inspired community pride. For all that he has done and continues to do, the Herald is proud to run anyway, name Waxman its 2024 Person of the so why not Year. His signature event, the Freedom put in a little 5K, began as a personal challenge in May 2022, after he ran 50 miles around extra effort to Malverne to raise money for veterans help others? and first responders. Inspired by his participation in the Suffolk County GREG WAxMAN Veterans Run Series, he wanted to create something closer to home. “I used to run 50 miles to honor Lt. Michael Murphy, from Manhattan to Suffolk,” Waxman said, referring to the Navy SEAL from Smithtown who died in Afghanistan in 2005. “I wanted to bring that spirit to Nassau County and Malverne.” Initially called the Freedom on the Farm 5K and held at Crossroads Farm at Grossman’s, the race evolved this year into the Memorial Day Freedom 5K, and followed the route of the village’s Memorial Day Parade. Over 200 runners have taken part each year, and the money the event has raised has benefited the Detective Steven McDonald Foundation, Malverne Police Benevolent Association scholarships for high school seniors, and Crossroads Farm preservation. This year, Waxman distributed over $16,000 in donations, including $7,000 to American Legion Post 44 for a service dog program. Other beneficiaries included Paws of War, American VetDogs, and Crossroads. Transparency is key to his efforts, he said: Funds are handed out at village board meetings. “People can see where the money goes, which builds trust,” he explained.
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Students explore the design behind the Heatherwood Page 5 project.
Malverne won the Nassau Class A boys’ track and field Page 10 title.
For BrEAKING NEWS go to liherald.com
A strong community presence
Waxman’s Strongman and Strongwoman competition, launched this year, is another testament to his creativity and commitment. Held at Crossroads Farm, the event featured farm-inspired challenges such as hay tosses, tire flips and tractor pulls. Proceeds supported the farm, one of the last remaining operating farms in Nassau County. “We wanted to combine fresh air and fitness while raising awareness about the farm,” Waxman said. Although the turnout was modest, he plans to expand the event in the future. “Now that people know what it is,” he said, “we’re optimistic about drawing a bigger crowd.” His dedication to giving back stems from his personal connections with veterans and first responders. His grandfather, a World War II veteran, inspired him to support service dog programs, while other family members’ service in the New York Continued on page 2 Courtesy Greg Waxman
Greg Waxman, who’s known as the ‘Patriot Man,’ running in support of the police and military veterans in May 2022.