94th Training Division Soldiers, special friend run to honor the fallen

By Maj. Crystal R. ShamleeMay 4, 2015

94th Training Division Soldiers, special friend run to honor the fallen
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 94th Training Command Leaders,(L to R) Col. Erik Imajo, Operations, Plans and Training Officer, Col. John Aarsen, assistant division commander, and Mr. Vivek Kshtrapal, chief executive officer prepare for the "Run for the Fallen" at Fort Lee, Va. May... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
94th Training Division Soldiers, special friend run to honor the fallen
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Lee, Va. (May 3, 2015) -- Jean Matthews joined approximately 45 Reserve Soldiers from the 94th Training Division's headquarters company, along with Active Duty Soldiers and civilians from Fort Lee and surrounding areas, to participate in the "Run for the Fallen" in honor of those who've made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation's freedom.

Mathews ran in memory of her late husband, Master Sgt. Joe Mathews, one of four Soldiers the 94th has lost within the last five years.

"I'm here honoring all that he has done…knowing that he is never forgotten by…those who know him," Mathews said.

Mathews' military lineage spans 32 generations, and she's a Gold Star Wife of "Families of Fallen Soldiers." She helps widows and widowers who've lost their spouses in the line of duty or from service connected disabilities.

"Run for the Fallen," which is now a nationwide event, started in 2008 by the roommate of 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary who was killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb.

Runners had the option of running the one-mile route or the five-mile route, both of which started at William Stadium. Each mile marker had names of fallen Soldiers.

"We are united in this single purpose amazing and special," said Fort Lee Garrison Commander, Col. Paul K. Brooks, overlooking the crowd of community supporters and troops of all military branches. "This is a collective tribute to the fallen heroes, friends, neighbors, and countrymen."