Devil Dash 5K surpasses all expectations

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lyle T. Ratcliffe
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  About 250 runners lined up outside of the Jarvis Building to participate in the first Devil Dash 5K run and walk March 9.

The run was organized by the 434th Flying Training Squadron booster club to raise $10,000 to support the Wounded Warriors Project.

"We did not have many expectations leading up to this event," said Capt. Taylor Roach, 434th FTS assistant flight commander and Devil Dash event coordinator. "We were just blown away at the support and how we exceeded all our goals."

Bobby Barrera, a local Marine Corps veteran who was critically wounded in Vietnam, was present to show his support.

"It means a lot to us wounded warriors to see the community recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of not only the individuals but their families as well," said Barrera. "The support from this event will go a long way in aiding the recovery of wounded warriors and their families."

One award handed out was to the person who collected the most donations and this year the winners were Capt. Patrick Miller, 47th Student Squadron student pilot and his wife Meredith having raised around $1,200.

"We just felt very passionate about supporting those who have sacrificed so much," said Miller.

For information on the run visit the Devil Dash 5K Facebook page at www.facebook.com/devildash5k.

"We destroyed all goals set for this event," said Lt. Col. Mike Land, 434th FTS commander. "It was great to see all the support from the local community and we will look into making this bigger and better next year."