.da_story_info span
{
color: #333333;
}
2011 Run to Remember comes to a close
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 2011 Run to Remember closing ceremony is scheduled to begin at the base track at 6 a.m. Nov. 11.
The closing ceremony will include a two-and-a-half-mile formation run from the base track to Missile V, located off California Boulevard.
Active Duty members who wish to participate in the run are required to wear the Air Force physical training uniform, and civilians with base access should wear appropriate workout attire. All participants should be in place at the track no later than 5:45 a.m.
Immediately following the formation run, the rest of the ceremony at Missile V will include a fallen rider ceremonial demonstration by the 30th Security Forces Squadron horse patrol, closing comments by the 14th Air Force Vice Commander Brig. Gen. Thomas Gould, a closing prayer by Chaplain Capt. Sean Ballard, a base Honor Guard rifle volley, the playing of taps and retiring of the colors.
At the start of A Run to Remember, which began Oct. 20, a total of 6,249 service members had lost their lives. Since then, an additional 36 members have fallen.
Prior to the formation run, officials will read the names of the 36 at the track, said Capt. Andrew Ferguson, 30th SFS logistics officer and Run to Remember event coordinator. "We want to make sure we honor everyone, and forget no one."
A Run to Remember is an annual event that honors service members who lost their lives in the line of duty in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn.
"I hope that when people run their mile that it is not just about the miles or fitness, but that the time is spent devoted to thinking about the sacrifice that was made by the service member for who they are running," said Ferguson. "It is our duty as Airmen to honor and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice."
To date, base members have logged approximately 12,000 miles.
"I expect that by the closing ceremony we will have honored each of the fallen twice," said Ferguson. "And I estimate that we will complete 13,000 miles."
Staff Sgt. Isaac Causey, 30th Force Support Squadron noncommisioned officer in charge of promotions and an event coordinator, has run more than 45 miles and expects to run more before the closing ceremony.
"They have given their lives," said Causey. "If I can just come out here to help commemorate something in their name, it was the least I could do."