Fort Stewart runs, remembers fallen

By Ms. Kaytrina Curtis (Army Medicine)June 5, 2018

Fort Stewart runs, remembers fallen
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Fort Stewart runs, remebers fallen
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fort STewart runs, remembers fallen
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Fort Stewart runs, remembers fallen
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MEDDAC Commander, Col. Christopher Warner, said bringing the run to Fort Stewart was important to connect the event to Stewart, to make the connection with the community for those who served under the 3rd Infantry Division and those who gave their "last full measure in support of the country."

"Prior to coming to Fort Stewart, I served as battalion commander at Fort Hood," Warner explained. "One of my command sergeant majors wives, Ms. Theresa Johnson, ran the Fisher House there, and had organized what was called the Fort Hood Remembrance Run. This was an event that they did annually that helped everyone connect and remember the sacrifice to our nation of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Families of runners, speed walkers and various military groups throughout the local Coastal Georgia community came to the free event to show their support for those who lost their Soldier in death while serving in Operation's Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Senior Commander, 3rd Infantry Division, Maj. General Leopoldo Quintas Jr., gave the opening remarks before the run, thanking those in attendance as well as those who donated their time and resources to make the event possible.

One of the Gold Star Families in attendance were the Lamies. Linda Lamie, whose son Sgt. Gene Lamie, tree number 354, was killed by an IED on July 6, 2007 said talking about Gene is her favorite subject.

"My Gene was a good old southern boy," Lamie said. "[He] loved to get in his pickup truck, ride up and down the dirt roads; watch Tony Stewart drive, watch the Georgia Bulldogs win, the Atlanta braves do the tomahawk chop. He just loved living in Georgia … now since both my children served I understand what Memorial Day's about, and I understand the loss. So it's so important that even I, at my age learned the importance of his sacrifice."

Family Member, Rebecca Rosario, said she wanted to come out to remember and honor those Soldiers who gave their all for the nation. She said she is looking forward to next year's event.

"Next year my husband will be here so we will both be able to run," Rosario said.

Warner said he hopes this run will now become a tradition as a way to broaden the connection with Fort Stewart and the community.

"We know that we're in a time when less and less of our population is serving in the military," Warner said. "And we're very blessed here that we have great support from the surrounding community. They're amazing, supportive, friendly and understanding."

Sgt. Cassandra Louis, a license practical nurse at Winn ACH said she ran to show support to the Families of her Fallen brothers and sisters.

"It is just a small gesture on my part and a way to commemorate our heroes who did the Ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives," Louis said. "Crossing the finish line made me feel that I accomplished something for the sacrifice made by my Fallen comrades."

Many of the runners said they are anticipating an even larger turnout at the 2nd Annual Remembrance Run in 2019 and said they want to participate again.

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