Run for the Fallen honors heroes, families

  • Published
  • By Airman Shawna L. Keyes
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, hosted the third annual Run for the Fallen 5K and half-marathon, Nov. 14.

More than 230 services members and civilians from across the East Coast participated in the run, which was held to honor those who've been injured, fatally wounded, or made the ultimate sacrifice in support of contingency operations.

"Fundraisers like these bring people together," said 1st Lt. Elizabeth Vaughan, 4th Force Support Squadron chief of readiness and plans. "You get the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. When we hit roadblocks, we reminded each other that this event was not about us, it was about the military families who needed help."

The event raised more than $8,000 in funds to benefit the Air Warrior Courage Foundation as part of the Combined Federal Campaign.

"This charity benefits all branches of the military," said 1st Lt. Hannah Kabaso, 4th FSS flight commander. "One of the things they do to support the families of fallen heroes is set up scholarship funds to help pay for college."

The AWCF also hits close to home for one Team Seymour family.

In 2003, Lt. Col. William R. Watkins III, an F-15E weapons systems officer, was killed in the initial phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom, leaving behind his wife, Melissa, and two children. In light of their tragedy, the charity helped out by paying for their children's education.

"We chose the AWCF for several reasons," Vaughan explained. "At the beginning of the event planning, some people suggested we look into charities that hit close to home and also had low admin fees. A fellow [officer] told me about the AWCF and after learning about what they did [for the Watkins family], we knew this was the charity we wanted to support."

According to Vaughan, it wouldn't have been possible to raise as much money as they did for the charity without the help of the more than 120 volunteers.

"When you shut down more than half the base, you need a lot of help," Vaughan said. "We had participation from all the private organizations and several of the Make It Better clubs along with the Airman Leadership School class helping make the Run for the Fallen possible. There is not enough words to thank everyone who volunteered their time to make this event happen."

At the conclusion of the event, Melissa and her two children helped present medals and prizes to the top three male and female finisher of each run.
Congratulations to the following top finishers:

5K:
Male:

Corey Sedler
Noah Bernard
Conlan Martin

Female:

Tiffany Brakefield
Kimberly Prince
Tara Price

Half-marathon:
Male:

Joseph Mooneyham
David Nickell
Dandrew Tsinijinnie

Female:

Leigh Thorton
Mckayla Parks
Rachelle Christensen