I am going to talk about two people that we should remember. April Sorensen and Corey Goodnature. If you think about it, they both have a lot in common. Both of these fine individuals have great families, loving friends, and have touched so many people through their kindness, love, and giving that people have chosen to honor them with memorial sporting events.

I wish I could have met either Corey or April. I love people that always go the extra mile to be kind to everyone. I have met both of their families and let me just say that if either Corey or April are anything like there families, we are missing out on some unique individuals. Please if you get a chance, donate, volunteer or just go and be a fan at the two events that honor these two great individuals. If you want to feel like a part of a greater extended family, please join up or take part in the following two events:

Fourth annual Corey Goodnature Memorial Scholarship Golf Classic, Saturday, June 27, Green Lea Golf Course.

Now this golf event has been sold out for about a year, but you can still go to the dinner and the auction and be a big part of what I can only describe as breathtaking!

The auction has some unbelievable unique gifts, and the money raised goes to scholarships for kids to go to college.

Also to hear Corey’s family and friends talk about this true hero is, well, I do not know even how to say it. It will leave a lump in your throat. If you do not remember Corey, he is the hero that died on June 28, 2005, in Afghanistan when his helicopter was shot down by enemy fire during combat operations. He was a pilot, son, father and friend to all who knew him.

April Sorensen Memorial Half Marathon & Relay, 8 a.m. July 11, from Country Inn & Suites in Albert Lea to downtown Hayward.

For more information call: 377-2568.

April Sorensen, 27, was murdered in her home in Rochester on April 17, 2007. April enjoyed running; she individually finished three marathons along with her dad and so to best remember April, her family started a half marathon and relay. I applaud the effort of all of April’s family and friends as this marathon is a true labor of love.

As I started this column, I mentioned how much these two great individuals have in common and I almost forgot the other cool commonality that they share and that is: Phrases.

The Corey Goodnature Memorial has “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit.” And April Sorenen’s Memorial has “Live, Laugh, Love, Run.” If you do not understand these phrases, please go to these two great events and you will!

Tribune Publisher Scott Schmeltzer’s column appears every Thursday.