Veterans Support Army 10 Miler

WASHINGTON - Oct. 13, 2018 - PRLog -- Dr. Clayton Lawrence, CEO of Lawrence Executive Alliance of Professionals, LLC. (LEAP), lives his life in a way that epitomizes only positive examples, reinforces his belief in the power of education, and supports the Washington, D.C., and surrounding communities. His participation in what was his 102^nd marathon was no different. And running in the Army Ten-Miler last Sunday, October 7th, proved to be an incredibly personal and meaningful experience for the former military officer and  endurance athlete.

A decorated and respected veteran of the United States Army, Dr. Lawrence first sought a career as a high school biology teacher, earning a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in education from New York University. But it was while volunteering at Bellevue Emergency Department that he was inspired to change direction. He enjoyed the adrenaline that came from working in a chaotic environment that required quick, accurate determinations of serious and sometimes life-threatening symptoms. He received an Army scholarship to attend the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, and served for 9 years, thus, beginning his long-standing commitment to the United States Army.

After delivering care to the members of the Armed Forces both here and abroad, in 1995, Dr. Lawrence started his postgraduate medical training in family practice at Dewitt Army Hospital, Fort Belvoir, Va. He would go on to become a flight surgeon, managing helicopter transports of severely ill patients from Egypt to Israel; conduct field rescues for trauma patients; and provide medical care in Korea during short-term deployments overseas.

It was in 2007 when Dr. Lawrence saw the need for a medical staffing company that would operate with a new philosophy to bring forth excellence in providing healthcare for active duty, veteran and civilian patients. The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) is certified by the Veterans Administration and won its first government contract with Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2008, now including service to facilities across the country and boasting a worldwide impact.

"I am pleased to run in the Army Ten-Miler in support of the Army men and women in uniform," Dr. Lawrence said. "My work history as an Army officer makes this an incredibly special race. Credit is due to the Army for giving me a strong foundation in many aspects, from athletics and medicine, to leadership and volunteerism, which has propelled me to success in sports, such as this, and in so many other valuable ways."

Dr. Lawrence decided to take his commitment to helping others one step further in 2009, when he started LEAP Foundation DC. The nonprofit organization allows him to educate and give back to the community through youth mentorship and scholarship programs.

In September, Dr. Lawrence and youth mentee Rashard Barnes participated in the Navy-Air Force Half Marathon. It was a remarkable achievement for Barnes, who completed the longest distance in his running history.

"Through collaborations with local groups that are committed to nurturing our future leaders who may be currently underserved, we are able to provide direction, encouragement and support," Dr. Lawrence said. "I am always excited to use my dedication to staying physically fit to address critical issues. My past participation in marathons has offered support to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and others."

The Army Ten-Miler attracted more than 35,000 runners and 900 teams and is on a mission to "support Army outreach, build morale and promote physical fitness." In its 34^thyear, the ATM generated more than $7.3 million for the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the G9 Division of the U.S. Army Installation and Management Command, which manages programs and services that support readiness and resilience for soldiers and families.

ABOUT LEAP LLC

Driven by a mentality of servant leadership, Lawrence Executive Alliance of Professionals (LEAP), LLC, has been providing superior quality healthcare for active duty, veteran and civilian patients since 2007. Dr. Clayton Lawrence, a decorated and respected veteran of the United States Army, saw the need for a company that would operate with a new philosophy to bring forth excellence in the healthcare industry. Staffing medical facilities across the country with physicians, health educators, medical examiners and more, LEAP has been recognized with several awards of excellence and is certified by the Small Business Administration. Winning the Washington Business Journal Minority Business Leader Award for 2014 was just the beginning of much-deserved recognition for positive changes in the District of Columbia and across the nation. Dr. Lawrence and LEAP, LLC, were selected as the 2015 Washington, D.C., Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Person of the Year. In 2016, Dr. Lawrence was honored when he was entered into The Congressional Record for his work in business and civic leadership throughout the greater Washington, D.C., region and abroad. Later that year, he received a White House Letter of Commendation from President Barack Obama for his work with LEAP, LLC.  LEAP, LLC's nonprofit partner organization, LEAP Foundation DC, has been building bridges between hope and achievement in the District of Columbia and the surrounding communities since 2009. The group works to address the unmet social and health needs of the area's people and, among other accolades, was recognized in 2014 with the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Award. For more information, visit https://www.leap4staffing.com or https://www.leapfoundationdc.org.