FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (August 11, 2012) -- Roughly 2,200 supporters participated in the 2012 Week of the Eagles' Run for the Fallen, Saturday, which began at the Sabalauski Air Assault School.
Attendees honored fallen heroes by participating in the 5th Annual Run for the Fallen, a tribute event that involved a 3.2-mile run or 2-mile walk.
"This is a beautiful, wonderful event that brings together all of the community in support of all our fallen Soldiers," said Maria McConville, the wife of Maj. Gen. James C. McConville, the commander of Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division.
Both runners and walkers who participated wore bibs inscribed with the name of the fallen hero they chose to tribute.
"We ran the [3.2-mile] run," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Bush, the military intelligence noncommissioned officer-in-charge from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 801st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, who ran in honor of Staff Sgt. Joseph Gage. "It was actually a really good run; a lot of us got together and ran as a team. It was something that really meant something to us."
"I was here running in honor of my husband Matthew Ramsey who passed away Nov. 29, 2010," said Mirella Ramsey, the wife of the late Spc. Matthew Ramsey from 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th BCT, who was killed while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom X-XI.
Though those attending came prepared to sweat, the significance of the attendance was ever at the forefront of the runners minds.
"This event was very important," said Bush.
"It is important for people to remember that we have people who have sacrificed everything and just because it happened a long time ago it doesn't take away the loss from the Family ... all I want is his Family to know is [that] I remember. Everyone here, we still remember."
"I think it is important because it is remembering the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to live in a free country," said Ramsey.
With so many individuals in attendance to honor those that fought and sacrificed, there was an overwhelming sense of pride.
"I am amazed at how many people are here to run because I know [Friday] was the Division run so I know a lot of our Soldiers ran [Friday] and it looks like a lot of them and their Family members are here to run today," said McConville. "This is a great support in tribute to our Fallen Soldiers on a beautiful morning, a perfect day for running. I am just amazed when I see the turn out."
"It was amazing," said Ramsey. "It made me feel proud, it gives me chills. You think that people forget and to see this is just reminds you that there still are people that are there remembering all the men and women that died for us and it just feels amazing."
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