GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Goodfellow members held the annual Prisoner of War and Missing in Action 24 hour remembrance run at the Mathis Fitness Center track on Nov. 13, here.
This run is held every year in remembrance of the nearly 82,000 Americans who are still missing from different conflicts beginning with WWII until the present.
Col. James Finlayson, 17th Training Wing vice commander, delivered opening remarks before running the first lap of the race.
“The remembrance run/walk is a tribute to the sacrifice and forced resolve of the men and women who have not returned home to us,” said Finlayson. “We recognize them for their courage and determination they have shown in the face of unspeakable hardships.”
Members could sign up for 15 minute running slots to show their support.
“I just wanted to take a chance to remember those who came before us,” said 1st Lt. Michael White, 17th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron physician assistant. “I just came out for a little during lunch to help support.”
Throughout the run, members carried a baton with a rolled print out of 3,726 Texans that are POW/MIA from various conflicts since WWII. The 312th Training Squadron made the baton from a fire ladder rung and caped each end with a piece of wood that holds a POW/MIA coin. During the 24 hour run, the baton remained in constant motion.
“These characteristics make this baton a uniquely Goodfellow tribute to those missing in action,” said Finlayson. “May those who we run for serve as an example to us and what brings us together and what strengthens us even in these difficult times that are facing our nation.”