“Deployed Run for the Fallen” is a run that occurred in SW Asia. 13 hours and 2000 miles. Below are the details from one of the run organizers: Jason Torres.
All the runners are currently deployed at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. Our base is comprised of US Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, DOD contractors and coalition partners. Our goal and purpose carry on much of the same message that the original “Run for the Fallen” stood for. We focused on keeping the memories alive of our fallen brothers and sisters-in-arms. We also paid special attention to educating our audience about Gold Star families, as well as encouraging the runners to start building connections with GS families as they return back to their home stations.
Our game plan was to build the framework for a run that could be repeated annually at this deployed location; essentially leave a legacy that can be carried on by future deployed service members. A 12 hour portion of the run would focus on US “Fallen Heroes” that died in support of OIF/OEF within the following dates: 9/11/2001-12/31/2003. We put together 24 teams of 8 or more runners that would dedicate three miles to 24 “Fallen Heroes.” We had one team start every thirty minutes to ensure there would be runners on the road at all times for a 12 hour period. Each team held eight small US flags in hand with a “Fallen Hero’s” picture and bio attached. We ran for 581 “Fallen Heroes” during the first 12 hours; the first flag posted was for 1LT Michael Cleary and the rest the flags were in honor of “Fallen Heroes” from
9/11/01-12/31/03.
(We know Lt Cleary did not pass during the years mentioned, but we wanted to
honor him due to his connection to the RFTF)
The 25th team ran for the 582nd “Fallen Hero” in the 13th hour and the final leg of our run. The final flag, #582, belonged to the first member that died at our deployed location. A team of 40 runners, from the “Fallen Hero’s” Civil Engineering squadron ran the final leg in his honor. We ended the run with a 5K that was opened up to the rest of the base. In addition to the team of 40 Civil Engineers, we had 193 runners joins us for the 5K to close our event. Our final leg of this run was for all our “Fallen Heroes.” At the end of this 13 hour run, roughly 430 runners ran 1412 miles in honor of our “Fallen Heroes.” It was a truly humbling experience to see every runner’s pride as ran to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Lt. Col. “Petey” Arnold, a full time member of the Kansas Air National Guard, is completing a series of long distance events in full battle rattle (uniform, boots, body armor, helmet and rucksack).
Read the story.
Find out more info on the Rucking Jayhawk FB page.
Each year, Elk Horn, Iowa—RUN FOR THE FALLEN, Inc. strives toward making a difference in the lives of so many people affected by the loss of their loved ones from all branches of the military. Each and every person touched by a loss due to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and all other Military conflicts will feel they are not alone and find comfort knowing their HERO will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN for paying the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
This year, we are starting a new tradition for the Elk Horn, Iowa RUN FOR THE FALLEN— we will be holding the “Walk of Honor” on Sunday, May 26 during the 2013 Elk Horn Iowa Tivoli Fest. We will start at 2:00pm with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the American Legion Post #322 Veterans’ Memorial Park. When the ceremony is over, we will start the “Walk” by taking the trail to the DANISH IMMIGRANT MUSEUM and return back to the Park. Along the “Walk of Honor” we will display our local veterans’ photo and a short biography on weather-proof, moveable signage—placards.
Please view the flyer for the details as well as how you can contact the race organizers in directly helping out the Walk of Honor. RUN FOR THE FALLEN FLYER 2013
The Sioux Falls group will walk on Saturday, August 24, 2013. We don’t have a time set, but will have one soon. The Sioux Falls walk is observed by the families of SSG Jeremy D Vrooman (Army), SSG Robb Rolfing (Army), SSG Gregory Wagner (SD Army National Guard), and 1LT Thomas Martin (Army), as well as many friends and supporters.
Our walk will start and end at the Expo building at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds in Sioux Falls, SD. We have been invited to this location by the Vietnam Veterans of America, who will be hosting an event called “Freedom Bird 2013″ in the same location. South Dakota’s Fallen Heroes Banners will be displayed in the Expo building all weekend. The banners website is http://mva.sd.gov/FallenHeroesBanners.html and our website for the walk is www.walkforthefallensiouxfalls.com. We might include a 5K run for those who are interested, as well.
As soon as I find out about the walk in Eagle Butte, SD, I will post. The last two years, they coordinated their walk to be the same day as ours. Their walk is observed by the family of PFC Sheldon Hawk Eagle (Army), and friends.
A third walk is being planned this year for a South Dakota fallen hero. The state’s fallen heroes banners will be displayed at the SPC Dennis Jensen Memorial Ride in Whitewood, SD. The motorcycle ride concludes with a campout for the weekend of August 17 at Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. On Saturday August 17, they are doing a Walk for the Fallen, and they might include a run. This walk is observed by the family of SPC Dennis Jensen (SD Army National Guard) and friends and supporters.
RUN FOR THE FALLEN
May 4, 8-10AM
Riley’s Conference Center Running Track Fort Riley, KS
Fort Riley Flyer