Fallen, but not forgotten

By Leader Staff ReportsSeptember 15, 2018

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1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – We are here to provide support, hope and healing to those grieving the death of a loved one in military service,' Fort Jackson's commander, Brig. Gen. Milford 'Beags' Beagle Jr., told the audience prior to the 5K Run/Walk for the Fallen Sept. 8 at Hi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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The post gave homage to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice especially the 102 from South Carolina killed after Sept. 11, 2001 with a 5K Run/Walk for the Fallen Sept. 8.

"The run for today is all about honoring those who have fallen since 2001 in the Global War on Terrorism," said Brig. Gen. Milford "Beags" Beagle Jr., Fort Jackson's commander.

"We are here to provide support, hope and healing to those grieving the death of a loved one in military service," he said prior to the run. "The Army is dedicated to providing a high level of service to our survivors."

Every step of the run was a step for a fallen Soldier, he said.

Each of the 400 Soldier Support Institute Soldiers who ran in the event had the name of a fallen South Carolina service member on their runner's bib. Others who ran joined the event to remember someone close to them who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Fort Jackson's commander ran to honor a Soldier who was close to him -- Sgt. 1st Class Donald Eacho from 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. "He was all about selfless service," Beagle said.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jerimiah Gan, the post's senior enlisted leader ran for another fallen Soldier.

Some participants even ran to honor units.

Staff Sgt. Daniel Barsi, from the Army Combat Fitness Test team at the Army Physical Fitness School, said he was running for Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment.

There are a lot of good Soldiers in the unit "who gave the ultimate sacrifice," he said. "I'm proud to have served with them."

Staff Sgt. Joy Carney with Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion, also ran for Soldiers she served with.

"I will always remember those guys," she said. "They did what others couldn't. My hat is always off to them."

Beagle added that we "cannot compare" the steps taken during the run to those "steps the fallen took to become heroes to all of us."

The community came out to support the event put on by Fort Jackson's Survivor Outreach Services, part of the Army Community Services.

"It's always good … hear the Soldiers behind me," Gan said while units of Soldiers sang in the background. "They are pretty motivated; they are doing it for a good reason."

The event is great, he said. "It brings the community together as one big Family. I'm all about that."

(Editor's note: Nicholas Salcido contributed to this report)