Area run honors sacrifice

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James McGarrity
  • 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Fourth Annual California Run for the Fallen was held Sept. 25-27 starting in Elk Grove, California, and ending at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.

Senior Master Sgt. Paul Valenzuela, 60th Maintenance Group quality assurance superintendent, explained, "We run because the ones we honor no longer can, and we say their names out loud since, aside from with family, this is probably the only time their names are heard. Next year marks the fifth year of this amazing event and awareness of the event is growing every year."

Every year on the last Friday, Saturday and Sunday of September, a dedicated team of runners consisting mainly of active-duty service members from Travis Air Force Base, California, and local military groups embark on a 150-mile run honoring fallen heroes.  This year they honored 752 fallen service members from California. 

"I am very fortunate to be able to honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Master Sgt. Zachariah Ellis, 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and runner. "This event provides a way for us to show our deepest respect for these heroes and their families. In addition, it heightens the awareness and importance of these heroes over the course of 150 miles.  From the loud supportive honking trucks to the silent salutes from the little brothers that have embraced such a loss, it illustrates what an honor it has been to have taken this time to remember our nation's best." 

The event began in Elk Grove, transitioned through Tracy and finished at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, where closing ceremonies were held. Each mile along the route, the runners read bio cards for the fallen heroes and planted small American Flags.

"The 2015 CA Run for the Fallen was by far one of the most incredible events I've had the privilege of being a part of," said Airman 1st Class Christopher Orzech, 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and runner. "In the past I have done dozens of running events, but all of these are races; the RFTF carries a lot more meaning. It reminded me, personally, of why we do what we do, and how tightly-knit our military family truly is. We have a duty to remember our departed brothers and sisters, and in a very real way, we carry them with us on our journey forward.

For me, it was a moving experience and one I will never forget. I never thought I'd ever run so far in three days, and while it was difficult, I know for certain the energy came from somewhere. Knowing the importance of our journey over the weekend, bearing the poignant memories of the fallen and their families with us: these are the thoughts that reminded me of our mission and goal, the ability to keep going."

For more information, visit carunforthefallen.org.