Runners set off from the starting line following the cannon's signal as the 214th Fires Brigade's Fourth Annual Fallen Soldier Memorial Run began. The popular 5k race has grown every year and its proceeds benefit Gold Star family organizations, inclu...
FORT SILL, Okla. -- With the resounding boom of a cannon, the Fourth Annual 214th Fires Brigade Fallen Soldier Memorial Run began with over 1,000 runners and walkers setting out to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
While competitive runners raced the five-kilometer course in hopes of victory, many others enjoyed the beautiful November morning to jog or walk the memorial course or alternate one-mile course.
"We are hosting this run today to honor the memory of the service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice, not just in Iraq and Afghanistan, but throughout our history," said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Aaron, 214th FiB CSM.
Begun originally as a charity run for children, the memorial run found its new purpose following a suicide bomber attack in Afghanistan May 20, 2012 that killed former brigade officers, Capt. Jesse Ozbat and 1st Lt. Tobias Alexander.
Since then, Soldiers from across Fort Sill and the Lawton community run every year on the Wednesday before Thanks-giving to raise money for Gold Star family causes, including Survivor Outreach Services, but perhaps more importantly, to keep the memory of heroes and their loved ones alive and in their hearts.
"Events like this are important because they reaffirm the Army's dedication to the families of the fallen," explained Jodi Jordan, Survivor Outreach Services coordinator. "This reassures Gold Star families that they are a part of the Army family for as long as they desire."
This year's run took on special significance for the Leader's Brigade as Capt. Ryan Timoney, who was critically wounded in the attack that claimed the lives of Ozbat and Alexander, returned to Fort Sill to do the honors of firing the cannon to begin the race.
"Captain Timoney making the trip to attend this event was really inspiring," said Staff Sgt. Ricardo Guerrero, 168th Headquarters Support Company. "The courage and respect that he has shown for his fallen comrades, friends and their families is an example we should all look to and is the standard we as Soldiers need to live by."
In addition to the inspiration provided by Timoney, the welcoming smiles and presence of numerous Gold Star family members and their participation in the event provided further meaning to the well-intentioned runners. By demonstrating the strength and resilience of the Army and its families, the run's participants were reminded that the fallen are not statistics or solitary Soldiers, but continuing members of the community and Army's legacy. Their humanity and sacrifice for our country's values and way of life was represented on the race route by over 70 pairs of boots adorned with a flag and photo of a Fort Sill Soldier who has died since Sept. 11, 2001.
"Seeing the boots along the route was very emotional," said Spc. Maniqua Cassell, H Battery 26th Field Artillery. "Those reminders of those who gave so much so that we could be here made a great impact on me. Knowing what each of them gave for both their country and battle buddies was touching, especially knowing that their families and fellow Soldiers will never forget them and continue to honor their sacrifices by setting up such memorials and participating in events like this."
The memory of the heroes who gave everything for the cause of freedom and liberty from 1775 and the Ameri-can Revolution through the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, our current conflicts in the Middle East and everywhere in between is sacred to Americans and necessary for the continuation of the American way of life. By honoring those who gave their lives so far from home, and assisting and revering those at home who gave their sons and daughters, we, the living, work to give thanks for all that has been given and the lives we enjoy.
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