Fort Riley honors fallen heroes as community participates in Run for the Fallen

By Maria Childs, Fort Riley Public AffairsMay 16, 2016

Fort Riley honors fallen heroes as community participates in Run for the Fallen
Maj. Gen. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr., 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley commanding general, places 39 American flags during Run for the Fallen May 7 at Riley's Conference Center to honor the Soldiers he lost during Operation Iraqi Freedom. "I know the h... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RILEY -- Maj. Gen. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr., 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley commanding general, knelt down near the sign that read "In memory of our nation's heroes" on the corner of Huebner Road and Carpenter Avenue. He then placed 39 American flags to honor the Soldiers he lost during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"This is also a personal number, I lost 39 Soldiers when I was a brigade commander during the surge," Grigsby said. "I know the heartache of losing a Soldier in combat; I know the impact it has on the Soldiers and families left behind. I do not know what it's like to lose a son, a husband, an uncle or aunt -- I can't imagine that feeling."

More than 350 Fort Riley community members participated in Run for the Fallen May 7 at Riley's Conference Center. Toward the end of the race, participants could place flags in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Here at Fort Riley, we are dedicated to remembering those who made the final sacrifice," Grigsby said. "We will not forget what our brave 'Big Red One' Soldiers did for our nation and we will always take care of our families left behind -- they are always part of the 'Big Red One' family."

Kim Wargo, lead recreation programmer, said this event is to commemorate those who have paid the ultimate price for our nation's freedom.

"It doesn't necessarily have to be a somber event; we want to celebrate their life," Wargo said. "It's very important so family and community members get the recognition they need when a loved one has passed away. They need to know people care."

Survivor Outreach Services staff was handing out dog tags of fallen "Big Red One"

Soldiers and participants also wrote names for who they were running for on their race bibs.

"It's a selection of our fallen," said Michael Schack, from SOS. "It's something that everyone likes to carry. It's to remember them, just like the run, the whole purpose of the run is to remember."

This is the fourth year the Run for the Fallen has taken place at Fort Riley.

Grigsby reminded participants before the run why it is important to remember those who have fallen.

"War is never without a cost," Grigsby said.