09/07/2025
A note from our Coordinator......
Sitting the morning after… Because after 110 flights to honor the 343 fallen heroes, that’s all I’m doing today (lol). I’m sitting here reflecting on yesterday’s climb, feeling nothing but gratitude for an unforgettable day.
First, thank you to my amazing wife and kids, as well as our incredible coordinator Tristan Nuziard, his wife, and their kids. You all went above and beyond. There are many people to thank but without my family this would not have been easy!
To my bosses, Dr. Michael Haniotis & Dr. Jay Brodwyn —thank you for giving me the time and support to bring this event to life.
To the Columbus Civic Center and staff—thank you for giving us the perfect venue.
To Chief Sandavol and every single member of the Columbus Fire Department and beyond who had a hand in making this event a success—your dedication humbles me.
To our main sponsors: The Columbus Lions Dr. Mark Lawrence, Pediatric Dentistry , Calvary Baptist Church, Southern Restoration, Pour Decisions Sports Bar , and Brodwyn Health Group—this wouldn’t have happened without your support.
To our in-kind donors: Both Phenix City Chick-fil-A locations, Buffalo Rock Company Rock Pepsi Co, The Jersey Shoppe, Silverflame Promotional Marketing, Airport Thruway Walmart, and FedEx Store on Bradley Park—thank you for stepping up in such a big way.
A special thank you to:
Jason Dennis for sharing our story on WTVM News Leader 9 , Run the Race Podcast, and for climbing with us;
Ron Mills & team for supporting us from day one;
Carl McCluskey & the 9/11 Tribute Motorcycle Team;
Georgia Warrior Set Free Ministry;
Girl Scouts Troop 50387;
Mayor Skip Henderson ;
Dewey of Southeast Restoration;
3 SHOP Printing ;
Dewayne Goss for coming last minute and take some amazing pictures;
Daryl Monn, Heather Lovingood, Danielle & Sarah Floyd;
And every volunteer who jumped in to help—I hope I didn’t miss anyone, because every single one of you mattered!
To all the teams and climbers—Columbus Firefighters, those who traveled from other departments and states, F3 Columbus, Ga & F3 Harris County , Columbus River Dragons service members and families from Fort Benning, Chattahoochee Valley Warriors Hockey , The Ramirez, Obermeyer, and Stair Strippers—THANK YOU!
And one team deserves a spotlight: Mindset Holistic Health and Fitness. I didn’t even know this gym before this event, but they found us, showed up big, raised the most money, and pushed themselves to new levels. They even circled back for a 4th lap to support a teammate. Daryl, your team’s spirit is what this climb is all about—honoring the 343, pushing your limits, and lifting each other up. You’ve already promised to be back stronger next year, and I believe it!
Finally, to every single person who donated—whether it was $1 or $2,000—thank you. We know you gave for the cause, not the recognition, but your generosity is deeply appreciated.
📅 Mark your calendars: Saturday, September 12th, 2026.
We’ll be back, stronger, louder, and prouder to honor the fallen heroes of 9/11.
Humbling serving and thankful,
Dr. Kenneth Calain, D.C
2025 Columbus Georgia 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation