Laughlin XLers run for the fallen

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. James Ramirez
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  On the weekend of Aug 20., Laughlin personnel, along with people across the nation took time out of their day to commemorate those servicemembers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

The event is called "Run for the Fallen" and it began when Jon Bellona, a civilian with many family members and friends in the military, decided that his running group would run one mile for every servicemember killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The run began in 2008 and has been completed annually with participation from all over the United States and from other countries as well.

"Last year, more than 8,300 participants in 45 states and two countries ran a combined total of 49,000 miles," said Bellona.

Senior Master Sgt. Linda Herzog, 47th Communications Squadron operations flight chief, was in charge of planning, organizing and totaling the event on base and for five other states.

"Planning and executing this event was facilitated by the receptiveness from the Laughlin community and their willingness to pay tribute to our fallen brothers and sisters in arms," said Herzog.

Over the weekend of Aug 20., 71 people from six states ran a total of 367 miles.

"Most of those miles were completed by individuals in the Del Rio community, which is quite an accomplishment," said Herzog.

Herzog also mentioned that the running is far from over. Over the next few months, there will be more opportunities to add miles to the total and the Rising Six club on base has taken over the administration of these events. Herzog urges everyone to check their emails and continue to promote the great message this event possesses.

"Running helps us to define who we are. When you measure the miles collectively, running for the fallen helps to unify ourselves with our community and our community with our nation. And that journey all begins with just one step," Bellona summarized.